(WASHINGTON)— PEN America released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order that clearly oversteps his authority and seeks to eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit organization that receives congressional appropriations to support public television and radio stations across the country:
“This is another targeted, vindictive overreach of executive authority that aims to silence news outlets that have not towed the line in blindly reporting on the president’s preferred narrative. The overreach is sweeping and is a clear effort to intimidate and chill speech,” said Tim Richardson, Journalism and Disinformation Program Director at PEN America. “For nearly 60 years, Congress has recognized the vital role public broadcasting plays, especially in local communities and underserved rural areas, allocating funds specifically to support these efforts. At a time when the White House is pressuring news organizations to conform to its political narratives and cutting support globally for independent news outlets, we’re already seeing the dangers of an information environment where propaganda replaces journalism. Congress must stand firm in its commitment to defending a free and independent press and recognize the White House’s defunding efforts for what they are: a direct attack on truth, accountability, and democracy.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582