NC Democratic Delegation: Senate Rescissions Bill Will Harm Emergency Disaster Response

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Deobrah Ross (NC-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04) , and Don Davis (NC-01) sent a letter calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), and Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) to strike cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including 39 public broadcasting stations in North Carolina, from the Senate rescissions package, citing concerns that cuts to public broadcasting will impact emergency disaster communications and response.

In their letter, the lawmakers wrote, “A federal halt of funding would hurt domestic community TV and radio stations supported by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). Public broadcasting is pivotal to North Carolina, and across the country, especially during hurricane season and other natural disasters.”

They continued by emphasizing the lifesaving service provided by public broadcasting during the 2024 Hurricane Helene disaster, devastating communities in Western North Carolina. “During Hurricane Helene when communities in western North Carolina lost power and the internet, many relied exclusively on public radio for updates, such as when the water was coming back on or what local food resources were available. It also provided a platform for county emergency teams to give multiple updates during the day to ensure people were safe. It truly was a lifeline for many people in North Carolina.”

The lawmakers highlighted the impact public broadcasting has on rural communities who often lack access to high-speed internet and cable services, saying, “Many parts of North Carolina are rural with limited access to high-speed internet or cable. Public broadcasting reaches these communities via radio and TV over the airwaves without internet. Cutting funds reduces coverage quality and programming reach, leaving vulnerable populations less informed.”

They also discussed the importance corporate broadcasting funding has on local stations, drawing attention to the impact local journalists have on disaster communications. “During hurricanes, local stations tailor information specific to affected counties on shelters, road closures, and recovery efforts… This precise, on-the-ground information and knowledge of local areas were indispensable for survival during and after the storm, which national stations would not be able to provide.”

The lawmakers concluded their letter by emphasizing the importance of public broadcasting for emergency disaster communication and response, especially for rural communities. “Cutting funds for public broadcasting in North Carolina, and across the country, undermines trusted, accessible, and crucial communication tools during natural disasters. It puts residents, especially those in rural and vulnerable communities, at greater risk by limiting access to live-saving information and recovery resources.”

Full text of the letter is available here.