DONATE
Indianapolis, IN — In a historic and deeply damaging move, the U.S Congress has approved the President’s rescission request, eliminating $1.1 billion in federal funding for public media beginning October 1. For WFYI, this means a loss of over $1.5 million, which is 11% of its annual budget. Combined with recent state funding cuts, the station faces a $2.1 million shortfall.
Public media has long received bipartisan support because it provides essential, nonpartisan services to millions of Americans. From fact-based journalism and community programming to emergency alerts and educational resources, public media stations are lifelines, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Stripping away this funding will have immediate and lasting consequences for communities nationwide, including cities and towns in Indiana.
In response to the funding cuts, Greg Petrowich, WFYI President & CEO, released the following statement:
"The loss of both federal and state funding is not just a setback; it’s a direct threat to our ability to serve the people of Indiana. We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our viewers and listeners across the state.
Our commitment to our mission remains, to deliver trusted journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning.
At a time when truth is being politicized, WFYI and WBAA stand as a vital, nonpartisan resource harnessing the full power of our airwaves to meet audiences where they are on every platform, including radio, television, digital and social media.
WFYI and WBAA aren’t just a service, they are a lifeline. This funding loss threatens to silence one of the last remaining places where news, education, the arts, culture, and civic dialogue are freely accessible to everyone, from early childhood through adulthood, and not just for those who can afford it.”
Now, the future of public media is in the public’s hands.
The loss of federal and state funding creates a permanent gap in annual funding for WFYI and WBAA. Federal funding may be gone, but the mission to serve the community is still essential.
WFYI was founded by a group of neighbors going door to door to bring public media to Indianapolis and today, that same spirit of community is what will carry the station forward. Individual giving is the largest and most reliable source of funding. Every dollar donated helps ensure that WFYI will continue to serve the community and deliver on its mission of trusted journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning.
To support WFYI and WBAA and help secure the future of independent non-profit public media, visit wfyi.org/give.
###
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. Follow WBAA on Instagram, Facebook and X/Twitter.
View More Events
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.