Supporters of public radio in Cincinnati have rallied against a White House proposal to rescind $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for public broadcasting, a measure the Senate is expected to vote on next week.
The potential cuts could have significant consequences for the national public broadcasting system, impacting both local stations and networks. Rich Eiswerth, president and CEO of Cincinnati Public Radio, warned of systemic damage. “To decimate one will have dreadful implications for the entire system, whether it’s the decimation of local stations or the elimination of a national network,” he said.
While federal funds constitute only 5% of Cincinnati Public Radio’s budget, with the remainder sourced from local contributions, Eiswerth expressed concern about the broader “ripple effect.” He noted that some stations rely on federal money for 40% to 60% of their funding. “They lose that money, they go silent,” he stated. Federal contributions also support essential operations such as signal maintenance and music licensing for the Cincinnati station.
Underscoring local commitment to the medium, Cincinnati Public Radio recently opened a new production facility funded entirely by local donations and a state grant.
To mobilize support, the station hosted an event Tuesday night called “Voices for Public Media,” which drew over 200 attendees and featured performances by four local artists. In a statement, the organization said the gathering was intended to “raise awareness, amplify its value and stand up for the trusted, local journalism and programming that millions rely on every day.”
Jade McClellan, a violinist who performed at the event, highlighted the cultural cost of the proposed cuts. “I think public radio not being part of the next generation of life would be a true loss for our communities,” she said.
Sue MacDonald, chair of the station’s Community Advisory Board, reinforced the message of public ownership and responsibility. “We need to protect it,” she told the audience. “We need to keep it going strong.”
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