| Friend,
Last month, we sent a winter priorities survey to supporters like you. We wanted to know how you felt following Trump’s inauguration and a busy first week of our authoritarian nightmare.
Spoiler alert: This community is concerned about disinformation and attacks on free speech and journalists. In a minute, I’ll break down the results of the survey — but first, I have to ask: At this critical moment for our democracy, will you consider making your first investment in our work with a monthly gift of $15 or more before the end of the month? A generous donor will MATCH your new monthly gift through the end of the year — and as a way of saying thanks, we’ll mail you a “Defend Public Media” sticker. START A MONTHLY GIFT Here’s a snapshot of what this community shared with us: | Free Press Winter Priorities Survey Results What issues are you most concerned about right now? Select up to 3. 71% of respondents said they were very concerned about: “Attacks on Journalists, Free Speech, and the First Amendment” 57%: “Derailing Authoritarianism” 57%: “Stopping Online Hate & Disinformation” How do you prefer to participate in the work that Free Press does? Check all that apply. 89% of respondents checked: “Receiving action alerts (e.g., taking this survey, signing petitions, etc.)” 57%: “Reading or watching educational content” 34%: “Calling lawmakers” Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
The sentiments you shared with us are clear-eyed about the dangers we face — and a reminder that we cannot afford to give into despair: “Extremism is on the rise, and people need to know.” “I’m genuinely scared about the future of free speech and a free press.” “Disinformation is the chief problem in our society right now.” |
Since we sent you this survey, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have ramped up their attacks on our democracy. From FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatening news organizations to Elon Musk sending a gang of hackers to breach core government systems — giving him unprecedented access to our most sensitive information — the stakes have never been higher.
But if you start a monthly gift to Free Press as a Connector, you will help power the necessary work that this urgent moment requires — including educational content that helps people understand the scale of these attacks on our democracy.
So what do you say, friend? Start a monthly gift to Free Press as a Connector before the end of the month to double your sustaining impact on our work through the end of the year.
If the last few weeks have proven anything, it’s that Trump and his billionaire cronies will never stop attacking our civil rights. That’s why Free Press’ work is so essential — and we’ll need your petition signatures, phone calls to elected officials and ongoing support more than ever.
With gratitude,
Dutch and the rest of the Free Press team |
