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Federal Budget Cuts Facing WNYC and All Public Broadcasting

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Station Managers and Public Radio Producers respond to H.R. 1076  (Click to download PDF file)


Thank you to our listeners who have already contacted your representatives about budget proposals to eliminate all funding for public broadcasting. Your passion and ongoing efforts are essential as Congress continues to debate the elimination of funding to public radio and television.

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed H.R. 1076, which would prohibit Federal funding of NPR  — and would also prohibit local public radio stations from using Federal funds to acquire content from any source, whether NPR, Public Radio International, American Public Media, or from producing stations like WNYC.

If H.R. 1076 becomes law, it would have a devastating impact on the entire public radio system.  It would cripple public radio’s content creation and distribution system. Listeners will have access to fewer public radio programs and a narrower range of options.

Lawmakers continue to debate proposals to cut 100% of federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the primary source of federal funding for local public radio and television stations.

These cuts would include $3 million for programming operations for New York Public Radio (WNYC and WQXR) and an additional $1.25 million for innovative, original programming. The cuts would jeopardize WNYC’s ability to deliver the scope of independent journalism, news, information, music and cultural programming that New Yorkers count on.

  • Almost all federal funding for public broadcasting goes to local stations. These independent organizations represent some of the last locally-owned, locally-staffed and locally-programmed media outlets communities across the country.  
  • Public broadcasting is one of the most successful public/private partnerships in America, with $6 in local support matching every $1 invested by the federal government
  • 170,000,000 people — more than half of all Americans — rely on public radio or television every month for trusted news and thought-provoking conversations, and cultural programming that brings the arts to everyone — for a minimal investment of $1.35 per U.S. citizen per year.
  • The proposed de-funding of the CPB threatens the survival of many public radio and television stations across the country.

Your opinion matters. Don’t wait. E-mail or call your representatives in Congress — again — to let them know what you think about the proposed elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting.

  • Send a message: Visit 170MillionAmericans.org. You will be able to send a pre-written (and editable) letter to Congress.
  • Make a phone call: 202-224-3121 is the U.S. House of Representatives switchboard operator. When you write or call, tell your representative how important WNYC, WQXR and other public broadcasters are in your life.

If you’re not sure who your senators are, you can go the Congressional Directory and enter your zip code to find out.