Public Media in Wisconsin

Dear friends,

This week a federal judge blocked an executive order from last year that prohibited federal funding of PBS and NPR. This ruling ultimately reaffirms the rights of a free and independent press. (You can read the full details in this coverage from NPR and PBS.)

Like many of the federal funding challenges we have faced in the past year, this ruling is complicated. Here’s what it means for WPR and PBS Wisconsin.

This ruling does not reverse the rescission vote by Congress that removed federal funding for public media. That congressional action still stands and we continue to work to address the sudden $6 million annual loss of federal funds for PBS Wisconsin and WPR. This ruling only addresses President Trump’s executive order that barred federal agencies from sending any funds to PBS or NPR.

In contrast to that difficult reality, WPR and PBS Wisconsin both just finished successful membership drives and have seen thousands of our friends increasing their support and joining us as new members.

In the months ahead, a significant portion of our members will receive their annual renewal requests. As you are able, please join the thousands who have increased their support to help us make up for the loss of federal funding.

We are grateful for the immense support you and your neighbors across Wisconsin have offered in recent months. It is helping us not only persevere through this challenge, but to ensure we build an even stronger local public media service for you and our state.

Together, we can — and will! — keep public media strong for Wisconsin! If you would like to make a gift, or increase your gift, please visit pbswisconsin.org or wpr.org.

We will continue to do this essential work for you every day. Thank you for your ongoing support of public media in Wisconsin!

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Jon Miskowski and Sarah Ashworth

Director of PBS Wisconsin and Director of Wisconsin Public Radio

Frequently Asked Questions

Following the loss of federal funding, many PBS Wisconsin and WPR audience members have asked about the impact on our services. Here are answers to the most common questions we’ve received.

How will this impact PBS Wisconsin and WPR’s services?

The loss of federal funds will result in a $6 million annual budget reduction. While we hope that community members will be moved to increase their support at this difficult time, the amount of the cuts will likely have some impact on programs, services and staffing. Those decisions are ahead of us.

Are PBS Wisconsin or WPR at risk of shutting down?

No. While federal funding is an important portion of our budget, it’s only one part. Our diverse revenue mix, led by support from members like you, ensures we can continue serving our state as we have for over a century.

What actions can I take to help?

We’ve seen a wonderful outpouring of support in many ways. If you are able, this is a moment when an increased contribution can make a tremendous impact. Consider a contribution from your IRA, become a sustaining member or increase your annual gift by calling 1-800-236-3636 or visiting pbswisconsin.org/donate. Our members have always been our greatest strength. If you have already helped support us in one of these important ways, thank you!

Please donate now!

Let’s keep PBS Wisconsin strong together!