Public radio connects listeners to real world

I have no idea what Rep. Skees R-Kalispell has as a hidden agenda for the removal of state tax dollars going to fund public radio in Montana. Next, will he attack our public television?

We need PUBLIC radio (and public television) to connect us to the real world out there for trusted news and programs galore on cultural, community and political issues. The public radio stations need our public support as well as the funds they receive from the university and from endowments. The membership of MTPR for example, gives generously and although it never is enough (all those university budget cuts to the station and programs other than sports), the donations are there. Yes siree, we totally get disgusted by the plethora of fund drive announcements, but we know they are necessary. There are plenty of ads from 'sponsors' on public radio, They are mostly local businesses. I won't even go into what absurd commercials are aired on the 'regular' private radio stations, but I do know that I don't trust them. Period.

I cannot think of a day that has gone by for 20 some years that my life has not been enhanced by something I heard on MTPR, which is my local radio station. Before MTPR, I listened to public radio in another state which kept me well informed and I was glad to have donated to that station, too. Cutting funding to public radio cuts a lifeline to the real world out there, not the world of “alternative facts” and well, you can see where this is going.

Sorry Mr. Skees, I feel that possibly your agenda for the private stations of your choice, that are not publicly funded right now but may be in the future if you have your way, do not reflect the true nature of PUBLIC radio. The public pays for it through donations and partially through an allotment of state budgeting and we enjoy it. Can't you find something else to monkey with other than our aural enjoyment?

Then again, "No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session" — Gideon J. Tucker, et al.

Skeeter Johnston, Whitefish