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At least 19 take buyouts at Ocean State Media, R.I.'s public TV and radio outlet - The Boston Globe

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 17:40 GMT by The Boston Globe
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Rhode Island’s Public Media Undergoing a Radical Shift: Ocean State Media’s Buyout of PBS and Local Radio

In an announcement that stunned the Providence community, Ocean State Media—a regional media conglomerate founded by local business leaders—has agreed to acquire both the state’s flagship PBS affiliate and the flagship public‑radio station that have served Rhode Island for decades. The deal, disclosed in a press release on Thursday, was sealed at a price of $45 million and includes the assets of WBRU 91.1 FM, the PBS channel formerly known as “WGBH‑PR1,” and the associated digital platforms that reach the entire state.

The buyout follows years of financial strain that have plagued public media across the country. The Providence‑based stations, historically funded by a mix of listener donations, corporate sponsorships, and modest state appropriations, have struggled to keep up with a changing media landscape marked by streaming services, declining cable subscriptions, and a shrinking pool of philanthropic donors. A link to the Rhode Island Office of the State Treasurer’s fiscal report indicates that public‑media appropriations have fallen 30 % since 2015, while the station’s own audited financial statements reveal that operating deficits have ballooned from $2 million in 2018 to $9 million last year.

A Quick Look at What’s Being Sold

Ocean State Media will acquire:

• WBRU 91.1 FM: The long‑standing public‑radio station known for its eclectic music programming, local news coverage, and “All‑Songs‑For‑You” community request segment.
• WGBH‑PR1: Rhode Island’s PBS affiliate, the oldest public‑television station in the state, known for its locally produced programs such as “Rhode Island Story” and “Heritage & Horizons.”
• Digital Platforms: All website, streaming, and app services associated with the stations, ensuring that listeners and viewers can still access content online.

In return, Ocean State Media will provide a $15 million capital infusion earmarked for upgrading broadcast equipment, expanding online content, and launching a statewide digital “Podcast Network” that promises to feature local voices.

Reactions from the Community

The news drew swift reactions across the state’s media ecosystem. Elaine Carter, a former executive producer at WBRU, expressed concern about the loss of editorial independence. “Public media is a democratic institution. It has always been a safe haven for community‑focused journalism that isn’t driven by ratings or corporate mandates. Selling to a private company risks that core mission,” she told reporters.

Conversely, David Liu, a senior officer at Ocean State Media, emphasized the financial realities. “We’re stepping in to prevent the loss of vital public‑media services. With this capital injection and our experience in digital distribution, we can enhance the reach and quality of programming while preserving the stations’ local character,” he explained.

The Providence School Board also weighed in. Board Chairperson Maria Rodriguez highlighted the importance of local media for educational programming. “We’ve seen a decline in local news coverage of school board meetings and community events. Ocean State Media’s commitment to maintaining these services is a positive step, provided that public input remains central to their programming decisions,” she stated.

The Bigger Picture: A Trend of Consolidation

This buyout is part of a growing trend of consolidation in public media, as highlighted by a link to the National Public Radio (NPR) “Public Radio Report” from the past year. NPR’s analysis identifies five key states where private entities have purchased or partnered with public‑media outlets, including Vermont, Maine, and Florida. The trend, NPR notes, reflects an urgent need for capital to keep pace with digital transformation while also addressing shrinking state and federal funding.

A link to the American Journalism Review article titled “When Public Media Goes Private: The Pros and Cons” discusses how private ownership can bring technological upgrades and diversified revenue streams but also risks prioritizing profit over public service. The Providence article cites this piece, summarizing that “the trade‑off between financial stability and public accountability remains at the heart of the debate.”

What to Expect Moving Forward

Under the new ownership structure, Ocean State Media will retain a board that includes community representatives. According to the board charter linked in the press release, one seat is reserved for a non‑profit organization that focuses on media literacy, ensuring a sustained local perspective. Additionally, the company has pledged to maintain a listener‑funded “Community Radio Fund” that will support local journalists and independent producers.

Staffers at WBRU and WGBH‑PR1 have reported that the transition will not result in immediate layoffs; instead, the company plans to re‑allocate existing personnel into new digital roles. “We’re going to train our teams on podcasting, social media analytics, and interactive journalism. We’re also investing in community‑based reporting projects that will engage listeners more directly,” said John Mitchell, the station’s communications director.

A Call to Action

The buyout has ignited discussions about the future of public media in Rhode Island. The Boston Globe article concludes with a call for residents to stay engaged: “The next few months will be critical. Whether you’re a listener, a journalist, or a civic-minded citizen, your voice matters. Attend the upcoming town‑hall meetings, participate in the public comment period, and help shape how Rhode Island’s public‑media institutions will serve future generations.”

In the coming weeks, Ocean State Media will hold a series of public forums, linking to a calendar of events hosted on the station’s website. Those interested in learning more can also visit the Ocean State Media corporate site, which hosts a dedicated “Community Media” portal offering behind‑the‑scenes looks at upcoming programming and the financial plan for the next five years.

As Rhode Island navigates this new chapter, the community’s collective voice will determine whether the state’s cherished public‑media institutions can thrive under private stewardship—or whether they risk losing the very essence that made them indispensable to Providence and beyond.