Letter from the CEO: A meaningful ruling — and what it means for Chicago Public Media

Dear supporters and members,

This week, a federal choose blocked an government order that instructed federal companies to not fund NPR and PBS primarily based on the content material of speech the authorities disliked. The court docket dominated that the government order was unconstitutional on the grounds that the “First Amendment does not tolerate discrimination and retaliation” of any kind.

You could have seen protection of this ruling in latest days, together with reporting from the Associated Press.

It’s an vital determination, and a transparent affirmation and safety of the basic First Amendment precept that journalism should stay unbiased and free from political interference.

But it’s additionally vital to be clear about what this ruling does—and what it would not do.

It doesn’t deliver federal funding again for Chicago Public Media.

That funding has already been rescinded by Congress, and right here in Chicago, we are actually greater than 4 months into operations with out it.

So whereas we rejoice this determination, it would not change the monetary actuality we’re navigating every single day.

What has made an unlimited impression, nonetheless, is that of listeners and readers have stepped up in latest months, selecting to assist the journalism Chicago depends on and serving to guarantee it continues.

That sort of assist is what sustains our work now.

And it’s what will carry it ahead.

We’ll proceed to maintain you knowledgeable as issues evolve. But most of all, we need to say thanks — for being a part of our group, and for standing with native unbiased journalism in Chicago.

Melissa