In the next few days, Congress will take a critical vote to eliminate all federal support for local public broadcasting.  

Federal funding provides an important share of NPT’S funding.

It helps NPT provide commercial-free educational children’s programs, and thoughtful documentary series like Nature, NOVA, American Experience and American Masters, and great dramas on Masterpiece.

It enables to production of local programs like Tennessee Crossroads, Volunteer Gardener, Tennessee Civil War 150 and NPT Reports: Children’s Health Crisis.

Some say that there is no longer a need for federal support for public broadcasting. Others believe it’s one of the worthiest of all places to invest federal dollars. More importantly, though, is what you think.
 
We hope you will call your Member of Congress and tell them how you feel about NPT and public broadcasting and the proposed cuts.

Diane Black, Tennessee, 6th, http://black.house.gov/
Washington D.C. Office: (202) 225-4231 / Murfreesboro Office: (615) 896-1986

Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee 7th, http://blackburn.house.gov/
Washington D.C. Office: (202) 225-2811/ Franklin Office: (615) 591-5161

Jim Cooper, Tennessee, 5th, http://www.cooper.house.gov/
Washington D.C. (202) 225-4311/ Nashville:  (615) 736-5295

Scott DesJarlais, Tennessee, 4th, http://desjarlais.house.gov/
Washington D.C. (202) 225-6831 / Columbia: (931) 490-8699

Stephen Fincher, Tennessee, 8th, http://fincher.house.gov/
Washington D.C. (202) 225-4714 / Jackson: (731) 423-4848

Congress could take action on these cuts in the next few days, so please call.
 
You can also show your support by joining 170millionamericans.org.

The future of NPT, your public TV station, is at stake. It’s important Congress hears from you.

Please call your representative in NPT's Viewing Area or to email, visit their websites.

Thank you.

Not sure which Congressional district you're in? Visit govtrack.us. 

Nashville Public Television (NPT) is proud to announce the 2011 PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, a contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning.  The Contest encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces. The Contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the 15-year national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.”

Children in Middle Tennessee are encouraged to write and illustrate stories and submit them to NPT, which will select winners and award prizes.  First, Second and Third place winners, as well as any Honorable Mentions, will be awarded at a ceremony at Nashville Children’s Theatre.  Entries will be accepted until March 25, 2011.

Good Luck!

Click here for more information and to download the application (Opens as a PDF).

Get Inspired! Read local entry, "The Adventure in Outer Space," by first grader Genevieve J of Hendersonville, TN, and check out other stories from previous years at pbskids.org/writerscontest.