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Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Public media cuts costing 4 Indiana stations at least half their revenue
Four of Indiana's smaller stations will lose at least half their revenue after Congress approved a $1.1 billion spending cut last week and the state zeroed out its funding earlier this year. Northern Indiana's Lakeshore Public Media, Ball State Public Media, WVUB and PBS in Vincennes, and Tri-State Public Media in Evansville will be hardest hit by the cuts, according to a WFYI analysis and station messaging. Hoosier public media leaders told IndyStar the loss of government support has created immediate, gaping holes in revenue they fear could force them to cut local coverage, drop national programs or potentially close some stations. "You can't just lose a third of your budget and say, 'Well, we're just going to go on as normal,'" said Jennifer Miller Kelley, president and general manager of PBS Michiana - WNIT. Federal and state money accounts for a smaller percentage of larger stations' revenue. For example, federal support is 12% of WFYI's budget and 1% of NPR's. Hoosier stations combined will lose nearly $9.4 million in federal dollars. Seven of Indiana's 10 public media markets will lose more than $1 million. That's in addition to $7.4 million lost in state funding. "They'll obviously be entering into a period of austerity, cutting back on some of the services that they currently offer," said Mark Newman, executive director of Indiana's network of public broadcasting stations. "It's a challenging time, but they're focused on mission and ensuring that they continue to produce content and provide services of a high quality." Despite millions lost, public media leaders said they will be attempting to preserve local coverage by finding efficiencies and prioritizing coverage. Leaders like Shelli Harmon-Baker, the news director and host at WVPE in Elkhart, said it's not an option to lose local coverage. Her team will work harder, despite the cuts, to keep up because, she said, local news is critically necessary in her rural community. "We're going to work harder and smarter," she said. "We are going to make the very best with what we have, as long as I've got a breath in me and I'm working here, darn it." In line with President Donald Trump's demands, U.S. Congress cut $1.1 billion in public media spending last week, and Indiana's Republican supermajority stripped $7.4 million from Indiana Public Broadcasting earlier this year. Local stations have had little time to prepare for massive budget cuts. "You don't sleep a lot, and you pull out your hair," Miller Kelley said regarding remedying budget cuts. "We have been looking at everything we can do to maintain the quality of content that our audience has come to rely on." Without a ramp-down period, she, said it feels like stations are "going off a cliff financially." They hardly have time to plan their budget, she said, since federal funding was previously expected this fall. Her station lost about a third of its revenue, totaling $1.3 million. Miller Kelley said she expected public media would need to fight for support during the next 2028-2029 federal funding cycle. She didn't expect Congress to claw back dollars it had already allocated. "Anything that would've been wound down just has to be stopped, halted, like screeching stop, hit the brakes," she said, "which does a disservice certainly to the community and is a disservice to those of us who are trying to plan what the future looks like." According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which disperses federal dollars, here's what Indiana's public media stations received in fiscal year 2024: Stations have been working to find efficiencies and consolidate operations following state cuts, Newman said. Now, with federal cuts, he said some stations will be digging into their reserves, and all outlets will be looking to cut back, including in personnel. A statewide reporting team was told earlier this month that they will be laid off at the end of the year. "I don't think anything is off the table," Newman said when asked about station consolidation. "It would be a prudent business decision to explore how our stations might share services in a broader way." Miller Kelley said her station is sorting through local and national programming, community outreach programs and other spending. There is no way to move forward without answering really hard questions, she said, such as whether they will reduce local coverage, drop national programs or reduce the number of the families their programs support. For Travis Pope, the president and general manager of WBOI in Fort Wayne, losing money means deciding whether they pay for gas to send a reporter in the field. He said they now need to be choosier about what stories they can cover and weigh whether they need to send a reporter on an hour round-trip to an under-covered community. "You're telling me you have to do more, you have to cover more, you have to be in more places, and you have less money to do it," Pope said, recounting a conversation with a community member. "And that is absolutely right. That is the equation." All three public media leaders said the cuts are also an opportunity to work harder and continue coverage that their communities find valuable. They are still figuring out what that looks like financially. Harmon-Baker said she and her three reporters are motivated to work harder. "What's important right now is to continue to bring local news, continue to do the very best job we can so that we can keep informing people," she said. Stations must now turn to philanthropic support and their listeners to make up hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Leaders and fundraising experts alike say it's unlikely they can make up everything they lost. "Asking the community to, within one year, make up a $1.3 million deficit and then do that again next year and the year after that and the year after that," Miller Kelley said, "it's a big ask, especially when we need to make up that difference in just a couple of months." "Rage giving" is a common response to contentious or unpopular cuts, and Newman said supporters have increased donations as a result. Still, he said, those surges are not sustainable long term. Indiana's 17 stations join the 1,500 across the country looking for grants and large donations to sustain their operations. Private philanthropy is rarely able to make up the gap, a nonprofit expert said. "Those will not be offset dollar by dollar at all," said Patrick Rooney, a professor emeritus of philanthropic studies at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Some stations may find monetary support as applicants for national pots of money, Rooney said, but most, and likely all, funding will come from local and regional entities. Those national funding rounds will also become increasingly competitive. Rural America, especially, does not have the infrastructure that urban cities have to pump philanthropic money into charitable causes, he said. A smaller population means fewer individual donors, organizations and businesses that can contribute large sums. Small nonprofits also tend not to have the staff or expertise needed to organize a mailer campaign, write competitive proposals or approach prospective funders, he said. "Some of the charities that may need the help the most are probably the least prepared to put on an organized campaign and go out and raise that money," Rooney said. "That's not to say they'll all be unsuccessful; it's just to say they're at a disadvantage." The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Indiana public broadcasting stations could shutter in wake of funding cuts
Public broadcasting stations, including Lakeshore Public Media, are bracing for an uncertain future after Congress axed much of their funding late last week. On Friday, Congress approved about $9 billion in federal spending cuts requested by President Donald Trump, including deep reductions to public broadcasting and foreign aid, moving forward on one of the president's top priorities despite concerns from several Republican senators. The legislation would claw back nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which represents the full amount it's due to receive during the next two budget years. The corporation distributes more than 70% of the money to more than 1,500 locally operated public television and radio stations, with much of the remainder assigned to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service to support national programming. The Senate approved the package in a 51-48 vote after 2 a.m. Thursday, while the House voted 216-213 early Friday. Senator Todd Young said on X, formerly known as Twitter, ahead of the Senate vote that he would support the package because it 'is a small but important step toward greater fiscal responsibility.' Senator Jim Banks said 'defunding NPR and cutting woke foreign aid was an easy yes vote.' 'Hardworking Hoosiers shouldn't be forced to foot the bill for left-wing media or social experiments overseas,' Banks said. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, voted against the recissions, but didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Mark Newman, executive director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc., said in a statement Monday that there's a 'distinct possibility' that Indiana stations will shutter as a result of the federal funding cuts, especially when combined with the state legislature's cut to public media funding, Newman said. 'This is a serious setback. All of our IPBS member stations — including Lakeshore — are directly impacted. While Congress may be targeting NPR and PBS in its defunding efforts, the true burden will fall on local stations. Seventy percent of federal public media funding goes directly to local stations,' Newman said. With the combined federal and state cuts, Lakeshore Public Media is set to lose around $940,000 or about 60% of its annual budget, Lakeshore Public Media CEO Chuck Roberts told the Post-Tribune in June. The station started layoffs and shifting its employees to part-time status last month. Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, which reach 95% of the state, aim to ensure public safety, provide educational programming and foster civic and community connection, Newman said. 'Stations like Lakeshore will be forced to scale back services, and that means fewer resources for Hoosiers across the state,' Newman said. 'Those in rural and underserved communities — who rely most on free, locally controlled media — will feel it the most.' Lakeshore Public Television was established in 1987. IPBS, a non-profit consortium of 17 public radio and television stations established in 1979, recently announced it will be eliminating its team of eight reporters and editors at the end of 2025 after the state cut the $3.67 million it receives annually. Katherine Maher, the president and CEO of NPR, said in a statement that Congress' vote was 'an unwarranted dismantling of beloved local civic institutions, and an act of Congress that disregards the public will.' 'Americans listen to their local NPR stations daily, watch their favorite PBS shows loyally, raise their children on educational television, and listen to music stations that showcase the best of our home-grown music traditions,' Maher said. At the cost of about $1.60 per American annually, public radio stations provide cultural, informational and educational programming as well as access to vital emergency alerting and reporting during times of crisis, Maher said. The locally owned and independent public radio stations reach 99.7% of Americans and employ thousands of people, Maher said. The radio stations cover town councils, statehouse affairs, local elections and other events, she said. Public radio stations also provide life-saving emergency broadcasting and weather alerts, Maher said. For example, as the Senate was voting on the package, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Alaska and three coastal stations started broadcasting live tsunami warnings, she said. 'Even in the face of evacuation warnings, staff at KUCB remained at the station at sea level to get emergency messages on the air in coordination with public safety officials,' Maher said. Maher said the vote created 'a tremendous setback' for public media. 'If a station doesn't survive this sudden turn by Congress, a vital stitch in our American fabric will be gone for good,' Maher said. 'Together — and with support from listeners and readers in communities around the nation — we will work to rebuild.'
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
After House passes public broadcasting cuts, Lakeshore Public Media focuses on Senate
Public broadcasting platforms, like Lakeshore Public Media, are looking to the Senate 'as the last hope' to save federal funding, said CEO Chuck Roberts. The U.S. House voted Thursday to cut about $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress targeting foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. The vote was 214-212. Specifically, the bill includes cutting nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which also provides funding for thousands of public radio and television stations around the country. If the Senate approves the cut, that would take away the full amount CPB was slated to receive during the next two budget years. The benefit for President Donald Trump's administration of a formal rescissions request is that the passage requires only a simple majority in the 100-member Senate instead of the 60 votes usually required to get spending bills through that chamber. So if they stay largely united, Republicans will be able to pass the measure without any Democratic votes. Leah Selk, a spokeswoman with Republican Senator Todd Young's office said the senator 'continues to have conversations with stakeholders' about the proposed cuts. 'It remains unclear if the Senate will take up the House-passed bill or go a different route,' Selk said. Senator Jim Banks did not respond to requests for comment. Roberts said the proposed budget cuts present 'very tenuous times' for Lakeshore Public Media. 'Not only for the organization that is Lakeshore Public Media, but also the many people that will lose the needed services and content across Northwest Indiana and our friends in Illinois, due to state and federal funding cuts,' Roberts said. In the final hours of the 2025 session, the Indiana legislature passed a biennial budget that cuts funding to all Indiana PBS and NPR stations, Roberts said. Lakeshore Public Media will lose approximately $380,000 per year of the biennial budget, he said, which represents nearly 30% of its annual budget. If the federal funds are cut, Roberts said Lakeshore Public Media will lose another approximately $560,000, or another 30% of its annual budget, Roberts said. Lakeshore Public Media has already laid off two-thirds of its staff amid the cuts, Roberts said. 'With the state funding cuts, you will see a reduction in the production of local content and the jobs of some awesome people telling the stories of Northwest Indiana. Federal cuts will have even further consequences for public media in our neighborhoods,' Roberts said. Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, which represents the state's 17 PBS and NPR member stations, has been 'closely monitoring' the decisions made in Washington, said IPBS executive director Mark Newman. 'Our focus now shifts to the Senate, where we will continue to work with our partners and policymakers to emphasize the value of this essential public service,' Newman said. Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations offer news, classroom-ready education content, emergency alerts and cultural programming, Newman said. If the federal cuts are implemented, that would impact support to local station operations, especially in rural and underserved communities, he said. 'Federal support makes it possible for stations to extend their reach, deepen their journalism, and build programs that reflect the people and stories of Indiana,' Newman said. 'We will continue engaging with stakeholders at every level to ensure the critical role of public media is understood and preserved.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakeshore Public Media to lay off, shift employee positions amid state, federal budget cuts
Lakeshore Public Media will likely lay off and shift some employees to part-time positions, which will impact two-thirds of its employees amid state and federal funding cuts, said president and CEO Chuck Roberts. The reduction in workforce will translate to a reduction in local TV and radio production, Roberts said. The public news organization 'has been facing an uphill battle for support,' as viewers and listeners shift the way they consume television and radio broadcasts, Roberts said. While public support 'remains strong,' it represents about a third of the funding the organization needs to remain on the air, he said. In the final hours of the 2025 session, the Indiana legislature passed a biennial budget that cuts funding to all Indiana PBS and NPR stations, Roberts said. Lakeshore Public Media will lose approximately $380,000 per year of the biennial budget, he said, which represents nearly 30% of its annual budget. The Trump Administration will likely ask Congress to rescind two years of approved funding — which Lakeshore Public Media has already budgeted for — allocated for Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Roberts said. If the federal funds are cut, Roberts said Lakeshore Public Media will lose another approximately $560,000, or another 30% of its annual budget, Roberts said. 'With these shortages in mind and the goal of continued operations, Lakeshore has had to make some tough choices and undertake a reduction in force. This will mean a reduction in local production on TV and radio,' Roberts said. 'We will strive to continue serving the people of Northwest Indiana with content creation and community engagement while exploring partnership opportunities to ensure that public media is accessible to our communities.' The state legislature passed a $44 billion two-year budget in April, which Democrats voiced many concerns about including the defunding of public broadcasting. Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said he was disappointed the budget cut funding to public broadcasting, especially as legislators are often interviewed by public broadcasting journalists about what is taking place during the session. 'Public broadcasting allowed us to speak directly to Hoosiers, informing them of what is important to us, informing them of what is happening in this building and informing them of what's happening on a platform that is nonpartisan,' Pol said. Roberts said the state funding cuts 'came with no warning and with no opportunity for public comment.' The state and federal cuts will be a big budgetary hit, he said. 'This all marks the most serious threat to public media funding in decades. Rolling it back will devastate Lakeshore's ability to bring you local news, information and local programming. These cuts will mean over half our annual budget gone,' Roberts said. akukulka@
Chicago Tribune
04-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lakeshore Public Media to lay off, shift employee positions amid state, federal budget cuts
Lakeshore Public Media will likely lay off and shift some employees to part-time positions, which will impact two-thirds of its employees amid state and federal funding cuts, said president and CEO Chuck Roberts. The reduction in workforce will translate to a reduction in local TV and radio production, Roberts said. The public news organization 'has been facing an uphill battle for support,' as viewers and listeners shift the way they consume television and radio broadcasts, Roberts said. While public support 'remains strong,' it represents about a third of the funding the organization needs to remain on the air, he said. In the final hours of the 2025 session, the Indiana legislature passed a biennial budget that cuts funding to all Indiana PBS and NPR stations, Roberts said. Lakeshore Public Media will lose approximately $380,000 per year of the biennial budget, he said, which represents nearly 30% of its annual budget. The Trump Administration will likely ask Congress to rescind two years of approved funding — which Lakeshore Public Media has already budgeted for — allocated for Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Roberts said. If the federal funds are cut, Roberts said Lakeshore Public Media will lose another approximately $560,000, or another 30% of its annual budget, Roberts said. 'With these shortages in mind and the goal of continued operations, Lakeshore has had to make some tough choices and undertake a reduction in force. This will mean a reduction in local production on TV and radio,' Roberts said. 'We will strive to continue serving the people of Northwest Indiana with content creation and community engagement while exploring partnership opportunities to ensure that public media is accessible to our communities.' The state legislature passed a $44 billion two-year budget in April, which Democrats voiced many concerns about including the defunding of public broadcasting. Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said he was disappointed the budget cut funding to public broadcasting, especially as legislators are often interviewed by public broadcasting journalists about what is taking place during the session. 'Public broadcasting allowed us to speak directly to Hoosiers, informing them of what is important to us, informing them of what is happening in this building and informing them of what's happening on a platform that is nonpartisan,' Pol said. Roberts said the state funding cuts 'came with no warning and with no opportunity for public comment.' The state and federal cuts will be a big budgetary hit, he said. 'This all marks the most serious threat to public media funding in decades. Rolling it back will devastate Lakeshore's ability to bring you local news, information and local programming. These cuts will mean over half our annual budget gone,' Roberts said.
