US House of Representatives Passes Rescission Bill

At the formal request of President Trump, the House of Representatives has just voted to pass a bill that would strip away $1.1 billion in already-approved funding for public media — funding that was signed into law for the more than 1,500 stations across the country, including WFYI. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, which could vote any day. If the Senate passes it, it will be signed into law by the President, and this federal funding for public media will be eliminated. 

For WFYI, the loss of this funding accounts for $1.5 million annually, 11% of the station’s annual budget. Together with the loss of state funding, this is a reduction of nearly $2.1 million from the annual operation budget. 

“While we have a variety of sources of funding, federal support is an essential component, contributing to our overall sustainability,” said WFYI CEO Greg Petrowich. “But it’s about more than this, for an investment of just $1.60 per American, public media stations across this country provide free access to trusted news and information, essential educational resources and connection to local communities. If funding is eliminated, the consequences for WFYI and for the public media system nationwide will be widespread and deeply felt.”

Federal funding for public media represents .01% of the federal budget and the proposed cut would have little impact on the overall national debt. However, this minimal federal investment allows public radio and television stations to reach 99% of the United States, including the most remote parts of the country. WFYI and WBAA serve Indianapolis and surrounding communities to Greater Lafayette, Terre Haute and into eastern Illinois, and Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations reach nearly the entire state. Loss of federal funding would devastate public media stations’ ability to serve their local communities. 

This rescission bill request is time limited. If the Senate fails to pass the bill before the deadline of July 18, the bill dies, and the President cannot propose to rescind the same funds again. To support WFYI and help defend independent public media, visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org. 

###

About WFYI Public Media

Since 1970, WFYI Public Media has served Central Indiana as a trusted friend. Its nonprofit public radio and TV stations, digital content and community engagement activities provide trusted journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning to Hoosiers of all ages and walks of life. WFYI broadcasts original content, as well as PBS and NPR programs, on three television channels, five radio services – including WBAA – and online. Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media (MIPM) is the parent organization of WFYI Public Media. Learn more at wfyi.org, follow WFYI online on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , X/Twitter, YouTube and subscribe for email updates.

About the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org and follow CPB on  Facebook, LinkedIn; and subscribe for email updates.