Congress will soon debate whether or not we will be able to keep our Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The debate to close this valuable avenue of the media was initiated by the Republican Party because they are threatened by its news outlets. Such programs as "Evening Edition," "McNeil/Lehrer" and "Front Line" are perceived by conservatives as being liberally biased. CPB's bias however, is not politically motivated, but rather it is motivated by a goal of professionalism. To present a news story in a fair, reasonable and complete light.

National Public Radio and PBS are unique because unlike other networks they are free from commercial intrusions. They are not forced to present themselves in the slickest package of the day, in order to stay in step with the competition. By aiming to serve the public rather than profit from them, NPR and PBS are able to examine the issues of the day in a thorough way.

Where else but on our public broadcasting stations was all our nation able to see confirmation hearings of our Supreme Court justices. Or hear on NPR the entire Senate floor debate of the Gulf War resolution. These unique news outlets allow us all to be better informed of the public debates of the day. Without the CPB the public would be that much less informed, when it now more than ever plays a greater role in the policy-making decisions of our nation.

I encourage all my fellow citizens to write to their congressional representatives and urge them to maintain public funding for the CPB.