You know that line you hear during the introduction of PBS shows? "This show was made possible by contributions to your PBS stations from viewers like you"? That's absolutely true. Sure, there are federal funding sources, such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (despite its confusing name, CPB is a nonprofit responsible for distributing funding to PBS stations from the U.S. government; those government funds, of course, come from your taxes), as well as grant funding from specific organizations, such as the National Science Foundation, depending on a given show's topic.
The best time to donate to the Public Broadcasting System was yesterday. The second-best time is now, when federal funding for all public media is in jeopardy.
You don't have to give so much money that they announce your name before the shows. The names you hear are usually people who set up charitable trusts that go into effect following their death. (Unless you are like an Arthur Vining Davis, in which case...pony up post-haste). You can give $5 a month, and that'll make you a member that supports public media. Plus, depending on your PBS station, membership can get you cool benefits, like discounted admission to local museums or discounts at local businesses.
Also, did you know PBS has a streaming service called Passport? If you like science, history, cooking shows, dramas, documentaries, or local programming, you'll love what you find on Passport. Also, Passport has excellent closed captioning (great for people like me), and it's accessible on PBS's website and through an app. But you only get access if you become a member, and again, you can do that with a monthly donation of $5. You know of any other streaming service with that low of a price?
Look, I know times are tough. People are watching their money, and so is PBS. But if we the public don't support public media, that media goes away. I wouldn't be the person I am today without having watched PBS as both a kid and an adult, and I want to pass that gift on to the next generations.
So please. Check out PBS today. Check out your local station, and give a little bit if you can. Thank you.