On January 6, 2021, a violent and racist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol – leaving people nationwide feeling shocked, outraged, and frightened about what this meant for our country.

Television channels covered the deadly riot for hours, scrapping most of their planned programming. [1] These networks knew that the public needed and had a right to witness the day’s horrific events with their own eyes.

Now, the House Select Committee that has spent nearly a year investigating the attack will hold a series of high-profile public hearings about its findings with key witnesses in June. We’re urging networks to once again prioritize our right to be informed – and broadcast these hearings in full.

We deserve to hear and see the Committee’s hearings firsthand because we have a right to participate in any calls for accountability – and make informed decisions about what comes next for our country.

Just consider this historical example: when impeachment proceedings against President Nixon began, the public wasn't convinced. But by the time he left office, people from all parties were overwhelmingly in support of his removal.

What changed? A major factor was PBS's decision to broadcast the Watergate hearings in full – 247 hours in total. Millions of viewers tuned in as the story of the Watergate break-in and the cover-up unfolded before their eyes, hearing testimony from presidential advisors, the attorney general, former spies, and more.

A strong democracy needs an informed public. And especially today – when our political climate is marked by disinformation and distractions that would be unheard of in the 1970s – the only way to cut through the noise is with the absolute, unvarnished truth.

If you agree that broadcast television networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC should show the January 6th House investigators’ hearings live and in prime time, add your name today.

1) https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/tv-news-scramble-capitol-trump-insurrection-protest-1234879851/