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On June 3, the White House issued a memorandum asking Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding that had already been appropriated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to support 1,500 public media stations across the country, including WFYI Public Media. If federal funding is rescinded, WFYI will lose $1.5 million, which is 11% of the station’s annual budget. Together with the recent loss of state funding, this is a reduction of nearly $2.1 million in yearly funding.
If Congress approves the rescission package, it will eliminate the federal investment that powers free access to trusted journalism; educational resources for children, parents and caregivers; public safety resources; and arts and culture programming that local communities rely on every day. The impact would be felt immediately, deeply affecting public media stations in rural communities across the country.
“Though funding cuts are not yet approved by Congress, the request from the administration signals a significant escalation in efforts to defund public media. This is a credible threat to our work, jeopardizing essential services that inform and unite Americans,” said WFYI CEO Greg Petrowich. “WFYI Public Media is an indispensable part of this community -- an institution that connects, informs and engages Hoosiers through trusted journalism, inspiring storytelling and lifelong learning. Not only does WFYI provide free access to essential programming and resources for all Hoosiers, but a key part of our mission is to build connection and community, which is not possible without a local presence.”
An annual investment of less than $1.60 per American in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) supports one of the most successful public-private partnerships in U.S. history. This federal funding is leveraged more than seven times over at the local level. According to national polling, 76% of Americans support continued federal funding for public broadcasting.
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.
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