As we all know, we’re facing difficult decisions in how to deal with our nation’s federal deficit. We’re also in the midst of a journalism crisis. 

Some lawmakers have suggested that now is the opportune time to cut federal funding for public broadcasting, and tomorrow, many may vote to do so. My experience interacting with the public every day suggests this would be a grave mistake.

I have been working for the past six years as a videographer producing content for UNC-TV, North Carolina's state-wide PBS network. The communities we serve depend on us to provide truth in journalism, life changing educational content and crucial information every day. 

Just last week, a woman approached me in tears while we were filming at a farmer's market in Charlotte. UNC-TV had enhanced her life so deeply and she wanted so desperately to give back somehow, despite not having much money to donate. She handed me $2 in cash and asked that I deliver it to the folks who collect funding. Here is a photo of her in a tweet we sent out.

If you care about public media in your own community, I urge you to do everything you can to oppose cuts to federal funding to public media such as NPR and PBS. And if you’re a lawmaker, I urge you to listen to your constituents who overwhelmingly rely on public media.

Two dollars from a fan is inspirational and kind, but we need real federal dollars to keep us afloat.

Pete Bell is videographer, editor and indie filmmaker living in North Carolina.