Trump to PBS and NPR: I’m cutting you off…

[fybush]

And also - if helping a struggling broadcaster to get rid of a marginal facility that's dragging the entire operation down, and if a sale can provide some funding that will better sustain the core of the operation, I see that as a net positive.

Yes, that includes marketing the services I provide, because I need the business and because sometimes these options aren't obvious at ground level to a local CEO.

 

[davideduardo]

And also - if helping a struggling broadcaster to get rid of a marginal facility that's dragging the entire operation down, and if a sale can provide some funding that will better sustain the core of the operation, I see that as a net positive.

Yes, that includes marketing the services I provide, because I need the business and because sometimes these options aren't obvious at ground level to a local CEO.

Scott makes a very valid point. In the era of wild consolidation, perhaps the decade of 1995 to 2005, many groups were formed by buying existing smaller groups that included stations that were "undesirable" but had to go with the package deal. Many are gone now, but a number of groups still have some stations that are a burden.

A good case is the disposal of some less attractive markets (Fresno, McAllen, Vegas) and some less useful facilities (mostly AM) by Univision two years ago. The company found that those stations took up too much top management time and produced little benefit in profits or sales packages. So they looked for a deal, and that is where brokers come in.

 

[K.M. Richards]

Scott, all I am saying is that, however well intentioned, a broker's perspective is not one that makes supporters of public radio feel any better about what is happening.

Greg's choice of words are more likely to inflame the situation rather than help calm it down.

I wish the source for @umfan (and BTW, why was that an unsourced quote?) had spoken to you instead.

 

[umfan]

Scott, all I am saying is that, however well intentioned, a broker's perspective is not one that makes supporters of public radio feel any better about what is happening.

Greg's choice of words are more likely to inflame the situation rather than help calm it down.

I wish the source for @umfan (and BTW, why was that an unsourced quote?) had spoken to you instead.

It was unsourced because the content came from a competing source and, as you made clear, such links aren't welcome. I'm not trying to enflame anything, just noting that it's to the benefit of all of public radio's stakeholders need to constructively adapt to the new reality and consider steps that may not be comfortable, but would allow them to continue operation.

 

[umfan]

If anything, it is going to be harder for public media to make up for any loss in government funding than it was a decade or two ago.

Agreed. It'll take tough decisions.

 

[TheBigA]

If anything, it is going to be harder for public media to make up for any loss in government funding than it was a decade or two ago.

Only in the sense that the entire broadcast environment is tough. Look at Jeff Smulyan, trying to sell a full signal FM in NYC. How's that going?

I compare this public radio situation to what Pacifica has been living with for the past 20 years. They haven't sold any of their stations, and several of them are in the commercial band. Why? Because of a commitment to their mission. That same spirit is what we hear from public radio broadcasters. The only owners who might sell are the small colleges. But they were selling before the loss of government funding. Their mission isn't radio, it's education. The community licensees, the ones run by local non-profits, such as WNYC, KPCC, KQED, and others, won't be selling.

 

[AbrahamJSimpson]

The efforts to normalize and minimize what’s happening as “no biggie” are, frankly, ludicrous. Not at all surprising, but ludicrous nonetheless. This is not then.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

NJ PBS hit with layoffs following state and federal funding cuts

The station previously cut NJ Spotlight News staff in March.

current.org

NJ PBS, the state network operated by the WNET Group in New York, is laying off an unspecified number of employees following cuts to both state and federal funding.


“We are facing a financial situation that requires us to make the painful decision to reduce the size of the NJ Spotlight News team,” said WNET CEO Neal Shapiro in an email to staff that was obtained by Current. “This is not a reflection of anyone’s performance or dedication. The scope of the funding loss simply leaves us no choice.”


NJ PBS had roughly 38 employees in its newsroom before the layoffs. Shapiro’s memo did not specify how many employees would be affected by the cuts.


A NJ PBS employee who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to Current estimated that around 11 employees were affected: an on-air reporter, a digital reporter, a producer, a manager, two members of the graphic team, two editors on a team that edits in-studio interviews, and three camera workers.

WNET-TV and NJ PBS are hit with layoffs in response to the state and federal funding cuts.

PBS cuts budget by 21%, reduces station dues

The decision follows last month’s vote in Congress to rescind federal funding to public media in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

current.org

PBS to cut station dues and cut other parts of the organizations budget.

PBS’ board of directors voted Wednesday to cut the organization’s budget by 21% and reduce dues paid by stations in fiscal year 2026 by $35 million.


PBS President Paula Kerger informed station leaders about the budget changes in a memo obtained independently by Current and first reported on by The New York Times. The decision follows last month’s vote in Congress to rescind FY26 and FY27 federal funding to CPB. CPB will begin winding down operations Sept. 30.


“We recognize that even with the dues reduction, adjusted payment schedule and efforts to raise funds for initial financial stabilization, we all face hard choices about the future,” Kerger said in the memo. “We are stronger together, and together, we will continue to stay focused on our mission.”


PBS’ board approved a budget in June that held station dues flat at $227 million. The board vote Wednesday reduces total dues revenue by about 15%. PBS laid off 24 staffers last year and cut seven vacant positions, affecting 4.5% of staff. This year, it furloughed 25% of PBS Kids staff after the Department of Education cut funding for Ready To Learn, which supported children’s programs.

 

[Bongwater]

The efforts to normalize and minimize what’s happening as “no biggie” are, frankly, ludicrous. Not at all surprising, but ludicrous nonetheless. This is not then.

When people normalize bad things, bad things happen. More than usual. Worse than usual. Because people are accepting it. Including things that would make braver people jump.

And until everybody wakes up and finally sees that this is all being done for someone's ego. It will continue. Unabated.

Not because NPR/PBS were inherently bad.

Not because CBS/Colbert did anything wrong.

Not because KCBS/Audacy did anything wrong.

Not because Charlemagne/WWPR said anything wrong.

Not because MSNBC needs it's "license" revoked.

It's because they observe and report the results of his own policies. Including the ugly parts. Because that's what they're supposed to do.

Look what happened to that Bureau of Labor Statistics lady who got fired for reporting what came in. She was just doing her job.

Don't even tell me this isn't being done out of ego. It is butt-naked ego. All of it.

Helen Thomas (the late longtime UPI/AP Washington reporter) was once asked by an upstart journalist why they lobbed politicians with hard questions they can't readily answer. She smiled and replied "We're not here to be their friends".

Yeah, that's how it's done.....

 

[ted chittenden]

When people normalize bad things, bad things happen. More than usual. Worse than usual. Because people are accepting it. Including things that would make braver people jump.

And until everybody wakes up and finally sees that this is all being done for someone's ego. It will continue. Unabated.

Not because NPR/PBS were inherently bad.

Not because CBS/Colbert did anything wrong.

Not because KCBS/Audacy did anything wrong.

Not because Charlemagne/WWPR said anything wrong.

Not because MSNBC needs it's "license" revoked.

It's because they observe and report the results of his own policies. Including the ugly parts. Because that's what they're supposed to do.

Look what happened to that Bureau of Labor Statistics lady who got fired for reporting what came in. She was just doing her job.

Don't even tell me this isn't being done out of ego. It is butt-naked ego. All of it.

Helen Thomas (the late longtime UPI/AP Washington reporter) was once asked by an upstart journalist why they lobbed politicians with hard questions they can't readily answer. She smiled and replied "We're not here to be their friends".

Yeah, that's how it's done.....

(deleted)

 

[K.M. Richards]

Don't even tell me this isn't being done out of ego. It is butt-naked ego. All of it.

Some of us have been saying that all along. Thank you.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Senate President seeks PBS license revocation over 2022 gubernatorial debate

Senate President Warren Petersen says emails reveal ASU engaged in "viewpoint discrimination." ASU maintains debate backup plan put PBS license at risk.

www.12news.com

Arizona lawmaker wants FCC to revoke state’s PBS broadcast license

A state senator is calling on the FCC to revoke Arizona PBS’s broadcast license over what he claims was “viewpoint discrimination” during the 2022 gubernatorial race between Lake and Hobbs.

www.abc15.com

Update this is the worst case scenario we are thinking of when CPB went through a defund threat now shutdown. Now there are threats to go after the license of the Phoenix PBS affiliate by a member of congress representing Arizona. Yes Arizona PBS was not my first choice on which PBS would have their license questioned. I was thinking WGBH and WETA license would be questioned first given how Frontline and Newshour are produced at these PBS affiliates given their role in investigating Congress and the White House.

 

[Bongwater]

Senate President seeks PBS license revocation over 2022 gubernatorial debate

Senate President Warren Petersen says emails reveal ASU engaged in "viewpoint discrimination." ASU maintains debate backup plan put PBS license at risk.

www.12news.com

Arizona lawmaker wants FCC to revoke state’s PBS broadcast license

A state senator is calling on the FCC to revoke Arizona PBS’s broadcast license over what he claims was “viewpoint discrimination” during the 2022 gubernatorial race between Lake and Hobbs.

www.abc15.com

Update this is the worst case scenario we are thinking of when CPB went through a defund threat now shutdown. Now there are threats to go after the license of the Phoenix PBS affiliate by a member of congress representing Arizona. Yes Arizona PBS was not my first choice on which PBS would have their license questioned. I was thinking WGBH and WETA license would be questioned first given how Frontline and Newshour are produced at these PBS affiliates given their role in investigating Congress and the White House.

This is what happens when one tries to appease an egomaniac. Nothing they do will ever be good enough. And with no major pushback from anyone, they and their arsewipes move on to other targets.

And the more one acquiesces, the more the egomaniac demands. This is a repeating pattern today. We simply cannot overlook that. Because it's in our faces.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

This is what happens when one tries to appease an egomaniac. Nothing they do will ever be good enough. And with no major pushback from anyone, they and their arsewipes move on to other targets.

And the more one acquiesces, the more the egomaniac demands. This is a repeating pattern today. We simply cannot overlook that. Because it's in our faces.

And this time the reason Arizona PBS is being targeted because it involves the current leader of USAGM Kari Lake who does oversee VOA. But the Arizona PBS one involves how to respond to Kari Lake when she was the 2022 Gubernatorial Candidate of Arizona. I don't think Arizona PBS should have their license questioned but it was the right thing the affiliate had to do at that time they were covering that states debate. But the one proposing to yank the license of Arizona PBS has no jurisdiction to do so given that he is the state senator of Arizona. It's all let's use Chairman Carr's playbook on the state level now that CPB is going through a shutdown.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

South Dakota Public Broadcasting to reduce workforce by 25%

“If 1% of South Dakotans donated, our problem would largely be taken care of,” said Executive Director Julie Overgaard in making a plea for donations.

current.org

Now South Dakota Public Broadcasting to cut staff by 25%. This is one of many local affiliates around the country that has to respond to the elimination of CPB and in response local staff are cut as a result of CPB funding eliminated.

“This is the most difficult decision I’ve had to make in my time as executive director of SDPB,” she added. “I am truly sad for the people affected by these layoffs and I’m sad for the people of South Dakota who will suffer from the losses announced today.”

Since the rescission of CPB federal appropriations in late July, SDPB and its fundraising arm Friends of SDPB have raised $1.1 million in donations, according to Overgaard. “We’re a state of 910,00 people,” she said during the press conference. “If 1% of South Dakotans donated, our problem would largely be taken care of. So the question is, ‘Is SDPB worth 1% more in additional support?’ And I truly, truly believe the answer is ‘Yes.’”

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

WEIU will end PBS affiliation as it weathers federal funding cuts

The TV station receives nearly 80% of its revenue from CPB.

current.org

WEIU to cut ties with PBS over funding cuts

The elimination of federal funding cuts nearly 80% of the station's overall annual operations budget of roughly $1 million.

www.nprillinois.org

WEIU-TV to end affiliation with PBS over funding cuts/CPB elimination. Note PBS affiliation for WEIU-TV ends on September 30th. However WEIU Inc also owns NPR affiliate WEIU-FM and for now will keep the NPR affiliation. Note WSIU-TV will serve the areas that were previously covered by WEIU-TV as their primary PBS Member station.

EIU leaders say the decision to cut ties with PBS will ensure students retain access to critical components of their broadcast journalism and news media production learning opportunities.

WEIU's affiliation with PBS officially ends on September 30.

The school points out the change with PBS does not impact the NPR station at WEIU-FM.

 

[ted chittenden]

WEIU will end PBS affiliation as it weathers federal funding cuts

The TV station receives nearly 80% of its revenue from CPB.

current.org

WEIU to cut ties with PBS over funding cuts

The elimination of federal funding cuts nearly 80% of the station's overall annual operations budget of roughly $1 million.

www.nprillinois.org

WEIU-TV to end affiliation with PBS over funding cuts/CPB elimination. Note PBS affiliation for WEIU-TV ends on September 30th. However WEIU Inc also owns NPR affiliate WEIU-FM and for now will keep the NPR affiliation. Note WSIU-TV will serve the areas that were previously covered by WEIU-TV as their primary PBS Member station.

I've just checked WEIUFM's website at

WEIU :: Hit-Mix 88.9 FM

and I don't see any NPR programming in the radio section. The two jazz programs, while they come from NPR affiliates, are not in and of themselves NPR programs. Perhaps the only NPR programming (though not listed) is NPR news at the top of each hour?

 

[TheBigA]

I don't see any NPR programming in the radio section. The two jazz programs, while they come from NPR affiliates, are not in and of themselves NPR programs. Perhaps the only NPR programming (though not listed) is NPR news at the top of each hour?

I think that's a mistake in the linked article. Other articles covering the story don't refer to the radio station as NPR. For example:

Eastern Illinois University to end its affiliation with PBS in October

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - Eastern Illinois University will end its affiliation with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) effective October 1, 2025.

www.wandtv.com

The change does not impact WEIU-FM, which is licensed separately and not affected by the elimination of federal CPB funding.

 

[KeithE4]

Note WSIU-TV will serve the areas that were previously covered by WEIU-TV as their primary PBS Member station.

Carbondale is way too far away for WSIU-TV, a VHF-HI (RF 8) station, to reach Charleston. Champaign/Urbana's WILL-TV, also a VHF-HI (RF 9) station but who's transmitter is about halfway between Champaign and Decatur, has a better chance of getting there.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

I should have been clear here that WSEC-TV and WUSI-TV which is located in Central Illinois are PBS affiliates that simulcasts programming from WSIU-TV in Charleston, Illinois.