PBS, NPR stations struggle with Trump-fueled government funding cuts

"When Congress decided this summer to eliminate $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting, it left some 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations, each with unique issues related to their communities and history, to figure out what that means. Many launched emergency fund drives and are heartened by the response. The national NPR and PBS networks are reducing expected dues payments, and a philanthropic effort focused on the hardest-hit stations is taking shape."

"KSPS has always tried to keep its requests for member donations separate from appeals for public funding. Not anymore. Congress left the station with a $1.2 million hole to fill, about 18% of its budget, and the station is using that as a pretext to seek help from listeners. We have definitely seen some attrition from our Canadian members, said Skyler Reep, the station's interim general manager."

"Republicans in Congress responded to President Donald Trump's wishes in July and eliminated funding for the systems. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes the funding, has taken steps to shut down. In some parts of the country, the answer to pleas for help has exceeded expectations. Public radio station WHQR in Wilmington, N.C., raised more than $200,000 in three days, filling a $174,000 hole and then some."

Congress eliminated $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting this summer, leaving roughly 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to address funding gaps. Many stations launched emergency fund drives and reported strong listener response. National NPR and PBS networks are reducing expected dues payments while a philanthropic effort aimed at hardest-hit stations is forming. No stations have shut down, but job and programming cuts are beginning. Spokane's KSPS lost about $1.2 million, roughly 18% of its budget, and also saw Canadian donors withdraw over President Donald Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. WHQR in Wilmington raised more than $200,000 in three days.

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