Public media funding has overwhelmingly earned bipartisan support since 1967. That ended today when Congress voted to rescind $1.1B in advanced appropriations.
This decision is devastating for the millions of people who rely on public media every day. NPR and WCBU are moving into an uncharted future, but our commitment to serving our community will never waver.
WCBU and the entire NPR Network will fight to continue to bring you rigorous journalism, courageous storytelling, inspired music discovery, and the kind of reporting that democracy depends on — every day, without fear or favor. That is the promise of a free press in a democracy. It's in the First Amendment. It is the mission of public media.
Journalism in America is under threat. Paywalls are rising and local newsrooms are shuttering. All too often, misinformation fills the void. Eliminating federal funding for public media exacerbates this growing crisis.
What’s next for WCBU
We are facing an immediate annual budget loss of approximately $125,000. These are very real dollars we invested in programming and news. Unfortunately, three vacant journalist positions will remain unfilled. Correspondents and paid student interns can help fill some of the gaps, but there will be gaps. Programming changes will become clear in the coming months as NPR determines next steps. Bottom line, we will have to drastically reduce our public service to survive.
How the community can help
We will fight to restore federal funding. In the meantime, we must lean on our community to help fund this public service. Greater Peoria already very generously supports WCBU by funding more than half our annual budget. Underwriters and individual donors are more critical now than ever.
If you’re not already investing in WCBU and the NPR Network, now is the moment to join our village of supporters. Help keep journalists on the ground asking tough questions. Amplify powerful stories, lift voices too often ignored, connect people through music, and bring joy to lives. Know that every dollar is invested directly in delivering news and programming to our community.
Stand with public media and make your gift today. Not just for yourself, but for Central Illinois and beyond and the millions who benefit from trusted news and this civic cornerstone.
