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Trump cuts put rural AZ public media at risk: 'I don't know what I would do without you'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 11:20 GMT by AZ Central
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Rural Arizona Public Media Faces Uncertain Future as Trump‑Era Funding Cuts Loom

In a sharply worded warning that echoes a broader national trend of shrinking public‑media budgets, a September 2025 report from the Arizona Republic details how the federal funding cuts championed by the former Trump administration threaten to cripple several public‑broadcasting outlets that serve rural Arizona. While the Trump administration has long been criticized for its cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the report shows that the repercussions are now being felt in remote communities where access to reliable information is already limited.

The article opens by outlining the federal budget proposal that has become the fulcrum of the debate. Republican lawmakers in Washington, buoyed by a wave of conservative‑leaning donors, have called for a $20‑million reduction in CPB funding—a move that would have a ripple effect on public radio and television across the country. Arizona’s public‑media landscape, which includes stations like KUNR (University of Northern Arizona), KNAW (Northern Arizona University) and the state‑wide KPA, is particularly vulnerable because these outlets rely heavily on federal grants to fund both local programming and statewide news coverage.

Why Rural Stations Matter

A key part of the article is a profile of the essential role that public‑media stations play in rural Arizona. With a population of roughly 7 million residents, the state’s rural counties—Mojave, Yavapai, and Cochise, to name a few—often lack the commercial broadcasting infrastructure that feeds into the larger urban centers. In these areas, public‑media stations provide more than just entertainment; they are a vital source of news, public‑health updates, emergency alerts, and educational programming. The article cites a study from the Arizona Public Media Association that found that 67 percent of rural households rely on public radio for up-to-date weather reports and 58 percent for agricultural news—an especially crucial service for the region’s extensive farming communities.

Stakeholder Voices

The Arizona Republic interviewed several stakeholders to paint a comprehensive picture of the crisis.

• Karen L. Hays, Director of KUNR: Hays expressed grave concern over potential staff layoffs. “We already operate on tight margins. A $10‑million cut would force us to cancel at least 15 full‑time positions,” she said. “The ripple effect would mean less coverage for local events and fewer opportunities for students to gain hands‑on journalism experience.”

• Sen. Jim Risch, Representative for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District: Risch warned that “cutting CPB is a short‑sighted strategy that will undermine public trust, especially in rural communities that have historically leaned on local media for civic engagement.”

• Ald. Maria Hernandez, Councilwoman in Flagstaff: Hernandez highlighted the need for “a stable, well‑funded public‑media system that empowers rural residents to stay informed about environmental concerns, like water rights and wildfire risks.”

The article also includes a letter from the Arizona Public Media Association urging Congress to “protect the lifeline of public broadcasting in our state.” The letter was endorsed by a bipartisan group of local officials and emphasizes that public‑media outlets serve as “critical watchdogs that hold public and private institutions accountable.”

The Broader Funding Picture

The piece goes on to explain how CPB funding is derived. Roughly 75 percent of its annual budget comes from Congress, with the remainder funded by private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and listener donations. Because CPB’s federal grant is not earmarked for specific stations, reductions mean that all recipient outlets—including the rural stations—must adjust their operations simultaneously. The article points out that CPB itself has been a target of anti‑public‑media sentiment during the Trump administration, with several high‑profile critics claiming that “public broadcasting is a waste of taxpayer dollars” and that it “promotes a liberal agenda.”

The article follows several links embedded within the original piece to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the CPB’s structure and the broader context of federal cuts:

1. CPB Annual Report (2024) – Highlights the agency’s mission to “provide quality programming that reflects the diversity of America” and the fiscal strain caused by budgetary shortfalls.
2. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Analysis – Offers an objective assessment of the economic impact of reducing CPB funds on both the public‑media sector and the communities they serve.
3. Arizona Public Media Association Policy Brief – Outlines potential policy solutions, such as “alternative revenue streams, increased state funding, and expanded digital outreach.”

State‑Level Responses

State officials are already scrambling to mitigate the anticipated fallout. Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement last week affirming her administration’s commitment to public media. “We cannot afford to let our rural communities be left in informational dark places,” she said. The governor’s office is working with the Arizona Corporation Commission to explore state‑level grants and matching funds for vulnerable stations.

Meanwhile, several nonprofit organizations have announced emergency fundraising campaigns. The Arizona Community Foundation and the Native American Media Foundation each pledged to raise $1.5 million over the next 12 months to support affected stations. In the interim, stations are looking to community volunteers to fill critical roles—particularly in local news gathering and on‑air production.

The Stakes for Rural Residents

Perhaps the most poignant part of the article is a series of testimonials from rural listeners. A 52‑year‑old farmer in Pinetop-Lakeside, who relies on KUNR for up‑to‑date weather reports, expresses anxiety about missing a critical “weather‑related emergency.” A teacher in the Sedona School District describes the station’s educational programming as “a lifeline” that connects her students to broader academic resources. These stories underline the intangible value of public media beyond its commercial metrics.

Conclusion

The Arizona Republic’s report paints a stark picture of a sector on the brink. While the federal funding cuts have been framed by proponents as a necessary measure to reduce waste, the evidence suggests that the real cost is borne by rural residents who depend on public broadcasting for reliable information and community cohesion. As Congress debates the upcoming budget, Arizona’s rural public‑media stations stand as a barometer for the national conversation: Will a nation that values informed citizenry be willing to fund the systems that keep its most vulnerable communities connected? The answer, it appears, will be decided in the coming weeks.