NPR’s Juana Summers speaks with Tom Michael, general manager of Boise State Public Radio, about the impact of federal public media funding cuts on his station.
JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:
Following the approval of a Trump administration plan to cancel $9 billion in previously allocated funds, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Boise State Public Radio stands to lose approximately 20% of its budget, amounting to around $600K annually. General Manager Tom Michael discusses the potential impact of this loss on the station’s services and programming.
TOM MICHAEL: It’s a significant financial blow for us, and we may have to make tough decisions regarding staffing, programs, and services. Our station serves various rural areas in Idaho, and the loss of federal funding could jeopardize our ability to reach these communities effectively.
In response to the funding cuts, public media organizations are exploring new models for sustainability and collaboration. Despite the challenges, there is optimism about the future of public media and its continued relevance to audiences nationwide.
SUMMERS: We’ve been speaking with Boise State Public Radio’s Tom Michael about the potential ramifications of reduced federal support for public media. Thank you for sharing your insights, Tom.
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