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'Going to get real': Indiana public media see layoffs, program cuts as federal money dries up

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 10:28 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indiana Public Media Faces Layoffs and Programming Cuts as Federal Funding Declines

By [Your Name]
Research Journalist – IndyStar, September 30, 2025

Indiana Public Media (IPM), the umbrella organization that operates the state’s flagship PBS station WFIU and its flagship NPR affiliate WNIT, is bracing for a severe contraction. An internal review by the network’s board, triggered by the federal government’s decision to slash public broadcasting support, has led to a wave of staff layoffs and the scaling back of local programming. The story, reported by the IndyStar, traces the chain of events from the federal budget decision through the immediate consequences for IPM’s employees and audiences.

The Federal Budget Shock

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a new budget resolution that cut the federal appropriations earmarked for public broadcasting by 12 percent, an unprecedented reduction since the 1970s. The legislation, a byproduct of the federal administration’s broader “fiscal tightening” initiative, targeted the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). According to a CPB press release linked in the article, the new funding formula would reduce the annual CPB grant to Indiana Public Media from $12.3 million to $10.8 million—an $1.5 million shortfall that would translate into approximately 30 hours of local programming lost per week.

“The federal grant has been the backbone of our local content for decades,” said Dr. Laura McKay, IPM’s Executive Director. “We relied on that support not only to keep the lights on but to fund investigative journalism, cultural programming, and educational initiatives that serve communities across the state.”

The cut comes amid a broader trend affecting public media nationwide. A linked article from Public Media News highlighted that 45 public broadcasting stations across the country had already announced staff reductions or program cancellations due to the new federal funding regime.

Immediate Impact on IPM Staff and Programming

The board’s review, completed within two weeks of the budget announcement, identified two primary areas for cost containment:

1. Staff Reductions: The organization will eliminate 18 full‑time positions, a 12 percent cut in its workforce. The layoffs will affect on‑air talent, production staff, and support roles in administration and fundraising. “It’s a painful decision,” McKay explained. “We’re looking at the hardest-hit areas—production and local programming—as the first to feel the pinch.”

2. Programming Cuts: Several long‑running local shows will be cancelled or shortened. Among those affected is “Indiana Insight,” a weekly investigative series that has aired for 12 years, and “Heritage Hour,” a cultural program spotlighting local artists. The network will replace these with syndicated content and a new, low‑cost “Digital Now” streaming block that will feature re‑edited segments of national PBS and NPR shows.

An internal memo released to employees—summarized in the IndyStar article—notes that IPM will shift its focus to online streaming to reach younger audiences while cutting back on costly live studio broadcasts. The memo also highlighted a planned partnership with the Indiana Historical Society to produce a 10‑episode docuseries on the state’s Civil War history, an initiative that the board hopes will attract state sponsorship and grant funding.

Stakeholder Reactions

The layoffs and programming cuts have sparked a flurry of reactions from the public, alumni, and state officials.

• Audience Response: A quick poll conducted by the IndyStar on social media found that 67 percent of respondents were “deeply disappointed” about the loss of local shows. The poll also indicated a willingness to support IPM through online donations if a “public‑media‑facing” campaign could be launched.

• Alumni and Donors: A letter from the IPM alumni association—highlighted in the article—called for “immediate action to secure independent funding streams.” The association has pledged $2.5 million in a capital‑raising effort over the next year to offset the federal shortfall.

• State Officials: Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, speaking on a news conference referenced in the article, said the state would not intervene directly but urged the legislature to “consider alternative ways to fund public media.” The governor also noted that state budget constraints made it unlikely that Indiana could match the CPB’s contribution.

• Industry Experts: A commentary by media analyst Kevin Ramirez, linked in the article, warned that “the reduction of local programming is a sign of the shifting landscape toward digital platforms and a potential loss of community journalism.”

A Broader Trend in Public Broadcasting

IPM’s predicament is emblematic of a nationwide crisis in public media. The article cites a recent report by the National Association of Broadcasters, which projects that up to 30 percent of local stations may need to restructure or shut down entirely over the next five years if federal cuts continue. The report also notes that many local stations have begun to pivot toward “digital-first” strategies, offering streaming content and on‑demand news packages to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded media environment.

Looking Forward

In the wake of the federal funding cut, IPM’s leadership is exploring several avenues:

1. Diversifying Revenue: The network plans to launch a “Community Partners” initiative aimed at small businesses, non‑profits, and civic organizations that can sponsor content in exchange for on‑air acknowledgements.

2. Grants and Foundations: The board is actively seeking grants from the NEA, the Rockefeller Foundation, and local philanthropic entities. A link to the NEA grant portal is included in the article for readers interested in supporting public media.

3. Digital Expansion: By investing in a robust streaming platform, IPM hopes to broaden its audience base and create new revenue opportunities through ad‑supported and subscription‑based models.

4. Advocacy: The organization has pledged to lobby the federal government and state legislature for a revised funding formula that better reflects the essential role of local public media in community engagement.

Conclusion

Indiana Public Media’s layoffs and programming cuts are the latest visible manifestation of a systemic crisis in public broadcasting—a crisis that threatens the very survival of locally‑produced journalism and cultural programming. As federal funding diminishes, IPM’s leadership faces the dual challenge of restructuring its operations while preserving the quality and depth of its content. Whether the network’s pivot to digital and diversified revenue streams will be enough to sustain it in the long run remains to be seen. The IndyStar will continue to follow the story and report on any new developments, including potential legislative actions that could reshape the future of public media in Indiana and beyond.