| After Nick Begich voted to slash $1.1 billion from public broadcasting — including $15 million that kept dozens of Alaska stations on the air — Alaskans are working to fix what Begich broke, raising $3.5 million in an effort to replace federal funding gutted by Begich and Republicans in Congress for Alaska’s public radio and television stations.
Begich dismissed public broadcasting as “no longer essential,” claiming Alaskans could rely on “pervasive cellular, satellite, and wireline technologies.” But local station managers say that shows he doesn’t understand Alaska.
In rural communities without broadband internet, public radio isn’t optional — it’s the only reliable source for news, weather alerts, and public safety information.
Because of Begich’s cuts, stations are already cutting staff and canceling statewide programming, from educational broadcasts to political coverage. And in rural Alaska, where fundraising simply isn’t sustainable, experts warn the only way to keep stations alive is for lawmakers to restore critical funding.
Once again, Nick Begich put ideology over Alaskans’ safety and access to information — and now families are paying the price.
DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser:
“While Alaskans are opening their wallets to keep lifesaving stations on the air, Nick Begich voted to pull the plug. It proves just how out of touch he is with the communities he’s supposed to represent, and next November, voters will hold him accountable.” |
