What happened?
Public media is in grave danger. On July 18th, Congress voted to approve the President’s rescission request to strip away $1.1 billion in already-approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This already-approved funding will be fully stripped by October 1st, and already-allocated funding will have to be returned.
90.5 WCBE Columbus and hundreds of public radio and television stations across the country will lose critical resources they rely on to stay on the air and serve their communities.
WCBE receives 10% of its annual operating funds (about $134,000) in the form of grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This action passing takes that away. The CPB also negotiates discounted music licenses that allow WCBE and other public music stations around the country to play a wide variety of music without having to negotiate individual licenses and fees. Losing the critical funds and support provided by the CPB would impact regular operation of stations around the country, including WCBE.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. If you care about community-focused, independent public media — if 90.5 WCBE Columbus has ever informed you, moved you, or helped you feel connected — this is your moment to act. Start your monthly gift today so that your ongoing support can help WCBE plan for the road ahead.
What can I do to help?
- Donate to WCBE. Help us to weather potential funding cuts by becoming a sustaining monthly donor, which helps us keep consistent funding throughout the year.
- Spread the word! Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your coworkers. Ask them to listen and consider donating as well.
- Take a minute to visit Protect My Public Media and the American Coalition for Public Radio to learn more.
This article was written with assistance from materials and data provided by Protect My Public Media.