The next few weeks are critical, says WKAR Public Media General Manager Shawn Turner. As Congress prepares to vote on the issue of federal funding for public media, the most important voices that will influence the decisions of lawmakers are yours.

Approximately $1.60 is the amount each taxpayer contributes to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That $1.60 is seed money for a national system of local public television and radio stations.

Shawn Turner joins me now to expound on the value of public media. Americans receive a lot of public services in communities across the country for $1.60.