America’s public broadcasting community is in the midst of overcoming some of the greatest challenges ever experienced, as leaders tell us that proposed federal funding cuts would be devastating. The impact of these cuts is most grim for our smaller stations, who deliver critical services across their communities. Key figures from various organizations have voiced their concerns over the potential impact of these reductions on local programming and emergency services.
Kate Riley, president and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations, voiced her shock. Her legacy includes her passionate opposition to the Senate’s move to stop all federal funding for local public television stations. She underscored how these stations are critical providers of lifesaving service, educational programming, and local connection.
“We are devastated that the Senate voted to eliminate federal funding to the local public television stations throughout this country that provide essential lifesaving public safety services, proven educational services and community connections to their communities every day for free.” – Kate Riley
The hurt on America’s public broadcasters is already being felt. And just yesterday, KQED announced a 15% layoff of its staff. They have cited these layoffs as a result of their years-long efforts to kill or de-fund the federal public media. We knew that this trend impacted most of the stations. They are getting ready for steep upcoming budget cuts that will force them to make painful choices about future operations.
Tom Abbott, general manager of KFSK community radio in Petersburg, Alaska, highlighted the severe financial challenges faced by his station. Without additional support, KFSK stands to lose 30% of its budget for the current fiscal year, which started July 1. The station is staffed by a small local crew of five – plus two part-time high schoolers. This drastically understaffed team jeopardizes the station’s capacity to provide high-quality local content and valuable community services.
“This destructive rescission of CPB funding – the substantial majority of which goes to local stations per statutory formula – will result in immediate and serious cuts to stations’ local services and in some cases the total closure of stations, particularly in rural communities.” – Tom Abbott
In addition to workforce reductions, Abbott pointed out that many smaller stations rely heavily on federal funding to remain operational. As a result, the potential cuts would be deeply felt as they play an irreplaceable role in providing locally-focused programming and localized emergency alerts.
‘Ms. LaFontaine Oliver of New York Public Radio echoed this by pointing out that CPB funding comprises a small 4% of their overall revenue. For many of these institutions, losing this funding would cripple their ability to serve local audiences. He emphasized, even more so for the smaller markets, they rely on this funding.
“But we know that federal funding accounts for a much more significant amount of the budget for stations in smaller markets and rural areas, places that often lack commercial broadcast options, and those communities will feel the impact most swiftly and deeply.” – LaFontaine Oliver
While public broadcasters prepare to absorb these onerous cuts, they are inching forward into new leadership models. New York Public Radio has named LaFontaine Oliver to the position of executive chair. In this new role, he’ll focus on sustaining NYPR long-term and the public radio system as a whole. This means making it easier for members to fundraise, increasing their fundraising from foundations and other public sources.
Today’s disappointing news can’t deter us. We remain committed to continuing this fight on behalf of the vital services we bring to the American public,” said PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger. She’s convinced that these cuts will hit the little guys the hardest. Furthermore, they will punch particularly hard on those members who represent large rural areas.
“These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas. Many of our stations which provide access to free unique local programming and emergency alerts will now be forced to make hard decisions in the weeks and months ahead.” – Paula Kerger
The reliance on public broadcasting is underscored by statistics indicating that nearly three in four Americans depend on their public radio stations for news and alerts related to public safety. This growing dependence underscores the important work that public media does every day to keep our communities informed and connected across the country.
Katherine Maher from NPR pointed out the importance of these services: “Nearly three in four Americans say they rely on their public radio stations for alerts and news for their public safety.”
As discussions rage on over where to direct federal funding, public broadcasters will continue to fight for the essential role they play in our world today. Even with that optimism, they’re preparing for an uphill battle. Historic changes are on the horizon that, if enacted, would fundamentally remake the landscape of public media in America.