Public Media in Wisconsin

Dear friends,

Thank you for speaking up for public media and sharing your voices with members of Congress this summer. While public media’s federal funding was eliminated, your voices — and stories — were heard and made a difference.

This loss of funding is a significant challenge, resulting in a $6 million annual combined budget reduction for PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. Additionally, the end of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting means we must now cover previously shared costs.

But, we will find a path forward. For more than a century, we’ve continuously embraced new technologies and innovations to provide valued services that make all our lives better. As we look toward our future, PBS Wisconsin and WPR will work in partnership and closer collaboration to create Wisconsin-focused content, engage with our communities and provide educational resources that reflect our state and share your stories.

Let us tell you why we are confident that we have a bright future. Since the federal funding rescission, thousands of individuals have increased their support or have become new members. PBS Wisconsin and WPR have both reached an all-time high in the number of contributors, and we’ve received thousands of messages from people committed to helping us overcome this challenge.

We trust you will join this wave of support in one of these important ways:

Become a sustaining member to provide reliable, ongoing support.

If you’re already a sustaining member, consider increasing your giving level. If you have the means, we would love to welcome you at a leadership giving level.

Make an additional gift increasing your annual support.

Consider including us in your estate plans to help us ensure the future of public media in Wisconsin for the next century.

Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to donate or become sustaining members. By growing our membership, we can keep Wisconsin Public Media strong together.

Public media was invented in Wisconsin. We have survived and thrived through many challenges. This challenge is as big as any that we’ve faced, but with your support, and the support of more than 100,000 families across Wisconsin who are PBS Wisconsin and WPR members, we have a promising future. Thank you for your support.

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!