Dear Joan,
This is a crucial week in determining if the decades-long federal investment in public broadcasting will continue or end. The House votes today (Thursday) to potentially zero out federal funding for public radio and television stations, and it will definitely have an impact on Folk Alley.
If this bill passes, it could be the end of public broadcasting as we know it. Without federal funding, Folk Alley would have to pay a substantial amount for our music rights to stream the music you love-music from already-established musicians like Neil Young and up-and-coming folk acts like The Carolina Chocolate Drops-as well as the great mix of folk music you hear on Folk Alley: bluegrass, Celtic, roots and traditional, contemporary, and Americana. You can see that this funding critical to what we do-and what you enjoy-on Folk Alley!
You have heard previous alarms about cuts in public funding, but today's threat is much more dangerous than anything we've seen in the past.
Please raise your voice on this issue! It is not too late to call or email your representatives today to voice your opinion on the proposed cuts-and to say what you value about Folk Alley.
Your immediate response is necessary to save this important funding.
Ken Burns, put it best today,
Thank you for supporting Folk Alley. I will keep you updated on this issue in the days and weeks to come.
Sincerely,
Al Bartholet
Executive Director, Folk Alley
