Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have passed legislation to eliminate all federal funding–$1.1 billion–for public broadcasting for the next two years. 

The funding would have gone to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR, PBS, and local stations across the country.

While NPR receives just a small amount of direct federal government support—less than 2% of its annual revenue—PBS and local stations rely on it far more heavily. For PBS and its member stations, the figure stands on average at about 15%. For public radio stations, federal funding makes up, on average, 8-10% of their budgets.

That includes our local station WJFF, which says they are facing a 25% budget shortfall.

“We now must make up 25% of our budget to continue providing our vital public service to our community. Your financial support is essential,” WJFF General Manager Tim Bruno stated. 

NPR CEO Katherine Maher called the decision an “irreversible loss” that would dismantle trusted local institutions and “disregard the public will.”

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, beginning an era of bringing educational radio and television programming for all Americans. 

But today, media is under threat, as there has been a dismantling of public trust in the media. 

We know that WJFF and other news organizations remain committed to unbiased and factual reporting. They are there to fill in the gaps that rural communities often face–bringing local news, emergency communications and community connection. 

Public media is a vital and accessible resource for all. While the legislation has passed, we urge you to contact your Congress member to restore funding for public media through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

Stand with your local station.