Many of our members are folk, roots, and traditional musicians whose work is rarely heard on commercial airwaves. For them, local public radio stations serve as one of the few reliable platforms where their music can be discovered and celebrated. These stations are often staffed by volunteer DJs and supported by passionate audiences. They provide a lifeline for artists whose songs tell stories that reflect the diverse realities of American life. Perspectives from rural communities that are already underrepresented are now jeopardized into being fully silenced.
Public radio also fuels the Folk Radio Chart, which tracks airplay from community and non-commercial stations. Without continued federal support, the network of DJs who report to this chart may shrink, making it harder for artists to gain traction and visibility in the genre.
Without the support of public broadcasting, these artists lose not only visibility but also a sense of belonging in a broader national conversation. Public radio has long served as a crucial bridge between communities and culture, offering a space where regional voices and grassroots music traditions can thrive.
Cutting this funding impacts more than just programming. It undermines the ecosystem that sustains thousands of Americans and working musicians across the country. It also devalues the role of the arts in civic life and erodes a cultural infrastructure that has taken generations to build.
We urge policymakers to reconsider this decision and recognize the irreplaceable value that public broadcasting brings to the artistic, educational, and democratic fabric of our nation.
Folk Alliance International remains committed to amplifying the voices of independent musicians and advocating for the public platforms that support them.
Please consider taking action by donating to your local PBS or NPR station.
