On May 1, President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking to end federal funding for NPR and PBS.

The full scope of the order – and what it means for OPB – isn’t clear yet. But whatever happens next, it is clear we’re in unprecedented and challenging times.

This order threatens the bedrock services public media provides to the American people, regardless of ability to pay. And it comes at a time when local journalism across the country is suffering.

The order aims to limit how the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) distributes federal funds it receives, even though CPB is a private corporation that Congress set up to be independent.

CPB, PBS and NPR all swiftly denounced the president’s action. CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison said in a statement: “CPB is not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority.”

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said, “The President’s blatantly unlawful Executive Order, issued in the middle of the night, threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years.”

NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher vowed to challenge the order “using all means available.”

The order follows President Trump’s attempted firing of three CPB board members earlier this week. That move was quickly challenged in court.

To protect the independent, factual journalism you rely on, we’re working in coalition with our public media partners across the country, and keeping in regular contact with members of our congressional delegation in Oregon and southwest Washington.

We thank OPB members and supporters for standing with OPB and our colleagues at this important moment. This generous support allows us to provide factual, accessible service to communities across Oregon, Washington, and beyond.

Here’s what you can do to help:

This situation is evolving, and we will continue to keep you informed. Thank you on behalf of everyone who relies on OPB each day.