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Public broadcasters in Kentucky tell their audiences to call their congressmen to stop cut to millions in federal funds

Public broadcasters in Kentucky are sounding the alarm over a proposed cut to federal funding that could severely impact their operations and the services they provide to communities across the state. The funding in question comes through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a critical lifeline for public media outlets like Kentucky Educational Television (KET) and various public radio stations. These broadcasters are urging their audiences to take action by contacting their congressional representatives to oppose the cuts, which they warn could amount to millions of dollars in lost revenue. This potential reduction in funding threatens not only the programming that many Kentuckians rely on for education, news, and cultural content but also the broader mission of public media to serve underserved and rural populations.

Public broadcasting in Kentucky plays a vital role in delivering content that is often unavailable through commercial media. KET, for instance, is a cornerstone of educational programming, offering resources for students, teachers, and lifelong learners. From preschool shows that teach foundational skills to documentaries and public affairs programs that inform citizens about local and national issues, KET’s offerings are diverse and tailored to meet the needs of a wide audience. Similarly, public radio stations across the state provide in-depth news coverage, emergency alerts, and cultural programming that enrich the lives of listeners, particularly in areas where access to other media is limited. These services are especially crucial in rural parts of Kentucky, where broadband internet access may be spotty or nonexistent, making television and radio some of the only reliable sources of information and entertainment.

The federal funding provided through the CPB is a significant portion of the budget for these public broadcasters. While they also rely on state funding, grants, and private donations, the federal contribution is often described as a stabilizing force that allows them to plan long-term projects and maintain consistent service. Without this funding, broadcasters warn that they may be forced to scale back programming, reduce staff, or even cut entire services. For KET, this could mean fewer educational resources at a time when schools and families are increasingly turning to public media for support, especially in the wake of learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For public radio, the loss of funding could jeopardize local news coverage, which is already under strain as many small newspapers and commercial stations struggle to stay afloat.

The proposed cuts are part of a broader national debate over the role of federal funding for public media. Critics of CPB funding argue that public broadcasters should rely more heavily on private donations and sponsorships, suggesting that taxpayer money should not be used to support media outlets in an era of abundant digital content. However, supporters of public broadcasting counter that this perspective fails to account for the unique mission of public media, which prioritizes educational and informational content over profit-driven programming. They argue that public broadcasters fill a critical gap in the media landscape, particularly for communities that are often ignored by commercial outlets. In Kentucky, where poverty rates are higher than the national average and many residents live in geographically isolated areas, public media is not just a luxury but a necessity.

Kentucky’s public broadcasters are emphasizing the ripple effects that funding cuts could have on the state’s economy and social fabric. Beyond the direct impact on their own operations, they point out that their programming supports local businesses, schools, and cultural institutions. For example, KET often partners with Kentucky-based organizations to produce content that highlights the state’s history, arts, and current events, providing visibility and support to these groups. Public radio stations similarly amplify local voices, from musicians to community leaders, fostering a sense of connection and pride among listeners. If funding is slashed, these partnerships could be diminished, reducing the visibility of Kentucky’s unique culture and potentially harming the small businesses and nonprofits that rely on public media for outreach.

In response to the threat of cuts, Kentucky’s public broadcasters are mobilizing their audiences to advocate on their behalf. They are encouraging viewers and listeners to contact their members of Congress to express support for continued CPB funding. This call to action is framed as a way for Kentuckians to protect a resource that benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation or socioeconomic status. Broadcasters are providing resources, such as contact information for representatives and sample scripts for phone calls or letters, to make it easier for the public to get involved. They stress that individual voices can make a difference, especially when lawmakers hear directly from constituents about the value of public media in their lives.

The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the timing of the proposed cuts, which come at a moment when public media is arguably more important than ever. In recent years, public broadcasters have played a key role in disseminating accurate information during crises, from natural disasters to public health emergencies. In Kentucky, where severe weather events like tornadoes and flooding are not uncommon, public radio and television stations often serve as the primary source of real-time updates and safety information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KET expanded its educational programming to support remote learning, while public radio provided critical updates on health guidelines and vaccine availability. Losing funding now, broadcasters argue, would undermine their ability to respond to future challenges and serve their communities in times of need.

Moreover, the potential cuts raise questions about equity and access to information. Public media is often described as a great equalizer, providing free, high-quality content to anyone with a television or radio, regardless of their ability to pay for cable or streaming services. In Kentucky, where many families struggle to afford private media subscriptions, public broadcasting ensures that children have access to educational shows, adults can stay informed about local and national news, and seniors can enjoy cultural programming without financial burden. If funding is reduced, the gap between those who can afford private media and those who cannot will likely widen, exacerbating existing inequalities in access to information and education.

Kentucky’s public broadcasters are also highlighting the broader implications of the funding debate for the future of public media nationwide. While the immediate focus is on protecting their own budgets, they acknowledge that the outcome of this fight could set a precedent for how public broadcasting is valued and supported in the United States. If federal funding is significantly reduced or eliminated, it could signal a shift away from the long-standing commitment to public media as a public good, potentially leading to a more fragmented and commercialized media landscape. For Kentucky, a state with a proud tradition of public broadcasting through institutions like KET, such a shift would represent a profound loss of identity and community connection.

In their messaging to the public, broadcasters are careful to frame their appeal not as a partisan issue but as a matter of shared values. They emphasize that public media serves all Kentuckians, from urban centers to rural hollows, and crosses political divides by focusing on education, information, and cultural enrichment. By rallying their audiences to contact Congress, they hope to demonstrate the widespread support for public broadcasting and convince lawmakers that the benefits of CPB funding far outweigh the costs. Whether this grassroots effort will succeed remains to be seen, but for now, Kentucky’s public broadcasters are united in their determination to protect the vital services they provide to the Commonwealth.

In conclusion, the proposed cuts to federal funding for public broadcasting in Kentucky have sparked a passionate response from KET and public radio stations, who are calling on their audiences to advocate for the preservation of CPB support. These broadcasters argue that the loss of millions in funding would have devastating consequences for their ability to deliver educational, informational, and cultural content, particularly to underserved and rural communities. They highlight the unique role of public media in fostering equity, supporting local economies, and providing critical information during emergencies. As the debate over funding continues, Kentucky’s public broadcasters remain committed to mobilizing public support and ensuring that their voices—and the voices of their audiences—are heard in Washington. Their campaign is not just about saving budgets but about preserving a cherished public resource that has served the state for decades and continues to be a lifeline for many of its residents.

Read the Full WKYT Article at:
[ https://www.wkyt.com/2025/07/16/public-broadcasters-kentucky-tell-their-audiences-call-their-congressmen-stop-cut-millions-federal-funds/ ]