Public Broadcasting Is On the Chopping Block

The threats to public radio and TV are serious, and they’re happening now.

On May 1st, the White House issued an Executive Order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to “cease federal funding for NPR and PBS.”  The House of Representatives has already passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” which also defunds the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Senators are currently debating the bill, which would cut all federal funding for public broadcasting, including music stations like c89.5. 

To make things worse, on June 3rd, the White House demanded that Congress revoke funding for CPB that’s already been approved, which would devastate public broadcasters all across America.

c895 is not an NPR station, and we don’t play NPR programming, but public radio and TV stations nationwide are being targeted.

If you care about public TV and radio, CALL or EMAIL your member of Congress and ask them NOT to defund CPB.

How much CPB funding does c89.5 receive?

About 8% of our operating revenue is covered by CPB. The CPB also negotiates and pays music royalties for stations, including c89.5. Altogether, that’s about 11% of our budget.

Starting this September, c89.5 would have to raise an extra $175,000 to cover the combined costs of defunding CPB.

What could happen if c89.5 lost CPB funding?

Donations from our local community are our largest and most stable source of funding.

If CPB funding goes away, your financial support for c89.5 will be critical.

For c89.5, the consequences of losing federal funding include:

• Increased equipment cost for our radio broadcast and digital streams
• Increased cost for music royalties for our broadcast and digital streams
• Unable to distribute our content to, or receive content from, other stations via satellite
• Loss of access to the nationwide Emergency Alert System
• Increased dependence on listener donations for basic operations.

Continuing c89.5’s mission will require your ongoing, generous financial support.

What is c89.5 doing to prepare for this possibility?

c89.5 has been scenario planning for this possibility for months. We are committed to delivering the music you depend on and continuing to provide professional media training to our students.  Our full-time staff of five is the smallest of all public stations in Seattle, and most of our non-staff costs are essential and non-negotiable.  If federal funding is cut, we’ll need to increase revenue through community support, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships.

What can I do to help?

If you care about public radio or TV, contact your Congressional representatives and let them know how important public media is to you.  Ask them to fully fund the CPB and oppose the rescission package.

If you are not a current donor, now is the time to start a monthly donation or commit to donating every year.

If you’re already a c89.5 supporter, thank you! Now is the perfect time to increase your monthly donation or make an additional one-time gift.

Public radio and TV have always been supported by the communities they serve, and right now, your support matters more than ever.

1. Learn about CPB’s role in public media – Corporation for Public Broadcasting
2. Make your voice heard by visiting ProtectMyPublicMedia.org for resources to help you contact members of Congress and sign a petition
3. Donate to c89.5

For more information and an FAQ, visit the Federal Funding page.