At the formal request of President Trump, the House of Representatives narrowly approved legislation Thursday, June 12, to claw back two years of federal funding for public media outlets. That includes $1.1 billion in already-approved funding for public broadcasters, including NPR and PBS.
On Thursday, July 18, Congress voted to claw back previously approved funds for public media stations, including Kansas Public Radio. This will result in a loss of approximately $244,000 for KPR for each fiscal year.
KPR staff are now focused on protecting the flow of information, and the programming you rely on. Listener support is more important than ever.
Take action for public media today.
- Become a Kansas Public Radio member by making a donation.
- Advocate for public broadcasting with Protect My Public Media.
- Stay connected by signing up for KPR's monthly email newsletter.
- Make a call to lawmakers; even though the rescissions package has passed, the appropriations cycle for this year is not complete, and future funding for public media is still at stake. Phone calls are the most effective way to make your voice heard. Your call to Kansas Senator Jerry Moran can still make a difference, especially if you reach out directly to Sen. Moran's Washington office at (202) 224-6521.
- If you missed our virtual town hall, a recording of the meeting is available below:
Kansas Public Radio, along with more than 1,500 other NPR member-stations, is supported in part by this funding; approximately 10% of KPR's annual budget is comprised of CPB funding. While the rescission to funding will not lead to an immediate cut to KPR and NPR programming, the gap left behind from this rescission could impact operations for both organizations, if the funding is not replaced with private support.
Federal funding for public broadcasting costs each taxpayer approximately $1.60 per year. It’s a small investment that pays dividends in access to accurate information and culture. Federal funding also ensures that stations like KPR are held accountable to uphold the highest ethical standards.
Because of the potential gap in funding, there has never been a better time to support not just KPR - your local public radio station - but also, the community that relies on us. Gifts of any size will protect our ability to serve the public during an uncertain time.
When contributing to KPR, members are supporting access to unbiased local and national news, emergency weather broadcasts, music, and other cultural programming, for all. More than 84% of our annual budget comes from the support of listeners and businesses... just like you! That support ensures that public radio continues to be rooted in - and a driving force for - community connection, now and always.
Regardless of the decision to rescind federal funding, KPR's commitment to providing high quality arts and information programming, to our listening area in Kansas and beyond, remains steadfast - but, we can't do it without you.
Questions about federal funding cuts and their potential impact on Kansas Public Radio's services may be directed to KPR's Director, Feloniz Lovato-Winston, at 785-864-5968 or fwinston@ku.edu.
Watch this space for additional updates about federal funding cuts and the impact they may have on Kansas Public Radio.