In a surprising turn of events, GWAR‘s Blothar the Berzerker has made a significant musical endorsement while passionately advocating for the vital funding of public media. This endorsement comes at a critical time when proposed budget cuts threaten to undermine the financial stability of essential public media services.

It’s not common to see Blothar and Mr. Rogers mentioned in the same breath, yet the GWAR frontman has crafted a compelling argument for mass mobilization to avert potentially catastrophic reductions in financial support for public media providers. His call to action emphasizes the importance of community engagement to preserve these invaluable resources.

Understanding the Role and Importance of Public Media

Public media encompasses a network of media outlets, predominantly radio and television stations, along with select podcasts, that prioritize a public service mission over commercial interests. These organizations focus on serving the public good by delivering educational, informative, and culturally enriching programming.

According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, public media has been a cornerstone of American media since the 1920s, providing high-quality programming that addresses community needs and serves the diverse population of the United States.

In the U.S., PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and NPR (National Public Radio) have emerged as the leading providers of public media. Iconic shows like Sesame Street, NOVA, and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood have made significant contributions to educational and developmental programming, serving generations of families.

Public broadcasters function as non-partisan entities, fostering a sense of national identity and community cohesion at their core. They rely on a diverse array of funding sources, including license fees, individual donations, public financing, and corporate underwriting to maintain their operations and fulfill their mission.

Blothar’s Urgent Message Regarding the Threat to Public Media Funding

With impending votes on public media funding, Blothar has articulated the pressing challenges faced by these essential services while rallying his fans to take action against proposed budgetary cuts. His heartfelt plea underscores the urgency of the situation.

Here is Blothar’s complete statement:

Humans,

This is the Berzerker Blothar of GWAR, and I want to address the critical situation surrounding public media. We face a grave threat.

Many years ago, my dear friend, the legendary Fred Rogers, testified before Congress about the immense value of public media and its impact on children’s lives. He successfully secured funding for NPR by demonstrating its significant difference, which is vital. Mr. Rogers illuminated our world with love and kindness, especially in dark times.

Now, however, this vital support is at risk. The Senate is set to vote on a House-passed Rescissions Act that proposes to slash $1.1 billion from already approved funding for public media. Such cuts would dismantle essential services, jeopardizing the existence of rural stations that could be forced to shut down entirely due to their inability to pay licensing fees. The silence of music could become a reality.

Moreover, these cuts threaten to eliminate access to art and culture for those who rely on it for personal enrichment and community connection.

Rise up, people! Stand for Fred Rogers! Stand for Big Bird! Stand for the beloved Lady Elaine Fairchild! Changes to this legislation are still possible. Now is the time to urge your senators to exclude the proposal targeting public media from this significant legislative package.

I implore you to visit protectmypublicmedia.org to learn how you can actively engage with Congress to safeguard public media. Call your senators and make your voice heard. Act now, as time is of the essence.

Thank you!

The Critical Implications of Potential Cuts to Public Media Funding

According to the Protect My Public Media website, federal funding constitutes approximately $1.60 per person each year, a modest yet crucial investment that enables the existence of public media.

This funding directly supports local stations and the potential loss could drastically affect essential services, including access to life-saving emergency alerts, educational resources for children, families, and educators, workforce training and certification programs, local journalism, high school sports coverage, and opportunities for community storytelling.

In May, the current administration issued an executive order that would prevent NPR and PBS from receiving federal funds, directly or indirectly, through membership dues.

READ MORE: How GWAR’s Blothar Mastered the Art of Screaming

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting responded by stating that it is “not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority. Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to operate as a private, nonprofit corporation, entirely independent of the federal government.”

This executive order, coupled with other actions, signals a broader initiative to dismantle public media by eliminating federal funding for media stations and the entire system.

It is crucial to note that the Senate is expected to consider this proposal shortly, and a final decision regarding the potential cuts must be ratified by both chambers by July 18.

Explore How to Take Action on Protect My Public Media’s Website

Taking proactive steps to make your voice heard is the most effective way to address this issue. The Protectmypublicmedia.org website provides numerous resources to help you engage meaningfully.

The site offers tools for emailing your senators and encourages you to create short videos sharing your personal experiences with public media, along with tips for doing so effectively. Additionally, it keeps you informed about the stakes involved if public media funding faces reductions, allowing you to understand the current challenges.

Looking Ahead to GWAR in 2025

GWAR is gearing up to hit the road again in September, with their first show scheduled for September 17 in Pontiac, Michigan. Their North American tour dates are booked through November 22 in Norfolk, Virginia. Fans can find all dates and ticket information on the band’s official website.

This tour coincides with the upcoming release of The Return of Gor Gor on July 25, which features the track “The Great Circus Train Disaster.” Additionally, fans can look forward to a The Return of Gor Gor comic book, set to ship during the week of July 25.