(WGHP) — Public broadcasters across the state of North Carolina are reacting after Congress approved cuts to federal funding, which could have a profound impact on the services they offer.

Background

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 in favor of cutting $9 billion worth of federal funding from foreign aid and public media. On Friday, the House voted 216-213 in favor of the cuts.

The New York Times reports that around $1.1 billion from those cuts is money that was previously earmarked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds both PBS and NPR.

According to NPR, the nonprofit currently has over 1,000 stations that broadcast across the nation. The New York Times reports that a 2011 study conducted by NPR states that 18% of those 1,000+ stations would close if funding to the CPB were cut off.

Currently, there are nearly 30 NPR member stations in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Music Office.

CPB has come under criticism in recent years from some lawmakers due to accusations of bias.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) demanded answers from CPB about allegations of biased reporting from NPR in a news release in April 2024.

Cruz said in part:

“I write today to express deep concern about National Public Radio’s (NPR) departure from its stated mission ‘to create a more informed public’ and to ‘distribute programming that meets the highest standards of public service in journalism.’ NPR markets itself as a longstanding beacon of independent journalism, which is a critical component in fostering an informed and engaged public. Yet recent developments reveal a deeply entrenched culture of political bias and partisanship that stands directly at odds with the purported mission of this taxpayer-funded media organization.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) also accused NPR of bias and stated that the organization should not be a taxpayer subsidy on Tuesday.

“This is, in our view, the misuse of taxpayer dollars,” Johnson said in part. “They’re biased reporting. They’re not objective. They pretend to be so.”

Other lawmakers have criticized the funding cuts, citing the role that public radio stations hold in emergencies and disasters.

“These rural stations are often the lifeblood of these communities when it comes to emergency alerts,” said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

“A few hours ago, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the Alaska Peninsula, just south of Sand Point,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “Local residents and summer visitors alike were able to evacuate thanks to federal tsunami advisories relayed through local public broadcasting stations.”

North Carolina public broadcasters react

Winston-Salem’s WFDD 88.5 FM says that the $1.1 billion cuts will cause them a loss of around $300,000. While the station had been making cuts of its own in anticipation, it still remains at a substantial deficit and is now asking for community donations.

WFDD’s full reaction can be read below:

“As expected, late last night the House voted in favor of rescinding the $1.1B already approved to fund the CPB. This means a loss of approximately $300,000 for WFDD. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, it was also not unexpected.

“Since February, we have been making cuts behind the scenes to anything we can in anticipation of this shortfall. Our goal was to trim as much as possible without impacting what you hear, but we’re still running in a significant deficit.

“To minimize the impact on our operations, we’re asking our community to step up. Something as small as $5 a month may not be much to you, but it is huge to us. You can make a gift now at www.wfdd.org/donate

“Thank you to everyone who contacted their representatives, called, emailed, and left comments showing their support, or who have come out to our events to make their voices heard. You are the reason we do what we do. You are the public in public radio.”
WFDD

PBS North Carolina says it will lose over $4 million annually as a result of federal funding cuts.

PBS North Carolina’s full reaction can be read below:

To our North Carolina community:

“This week, Congress passed a rescission bill eliminating previously approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—an alarming step jeopardizing the foundation on which public media has been built.

“Here in North Carolina, that funding represents a cut of more than $4 million annually—support that helps us provide trusted educational programming, maintain critical emergency communications infrastructure, and tell the stories that reflect and connect our communities.

“To every individual who made their voice heard by calling an elected official, and to every member, donor, and partner who continues to stand with us—thank you. Your support fuels our work and fortifies our future.

“This is a time of fundamental change for public media reminding us of our deep roots in the communities we serve. PBS North Carolina, then WUNC-TV, began in 1955, twelve years before the establishment of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Today, PBS North Carolina still belongs to the people of this state, and our commitment is unwavering.

“While the loss of federal funding presents real challenges, remember, PBS North Carolina is more than a television network—we are part of the fabric of this state. We are here because of you, and we exist to serve you, now and always.

“Thank you for standing with us during this pivotal time. Your support sends a clear message: North Carolinians are committed to public media for generations to come.

With deep gratitude,

David Crabtree

CEO and General Manager
PBS North Carolina

Chapel Hill’s WUNC 91.5 FM, also known as North Carolina Public Radio, says it will lose $800,000 in annual support as a result of the federal funding cuts. The station also says that the loss in funding will create “immediate and significant challenges.”

Charlotte’s WFAE 90.7 FM says it will be letting go of six people from its work staff “as it faces a difficult revenue environment and the loss of federal funding due to the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”