This translates into an annual federal grant to public radio stations, television stations, and a diverse variety of television and radio producers. The federal grant is not only essential for their operations, it is a crucial element of their identity and mission. Each of our partners is important to the continued health of this system, but the federal government is perhaps the most important. The loss of any one partner jeopardizes the enterprise. Recognizing your key role in making this enterprise possible, let me address the variety of Americans for whom public broadcasting remains relevant.
Public broadcasting is relevant to minorities.
Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders are also seeing and hearing their faces and voices on public radio and television. Public broadcasting is relevant to young people who are increasingly confronted by violent images in a variety of media. Public broadcasting is not only a safe haven from violent programming, it promotes safe havens in a literal sense. Public broadcasters are helping organize and promote the events. Public broadcasting is relevant to individuals who cannot access the many available cable or satellite channels, either for financial reasons, due to remote location, or because not all channels or services are available to them.