You probably have some questions about how federal defunding of public media could impact WCBU. Here's what we know.
What does the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) closure mean for WCBU?
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced it will cease operating later this year.
Following the rescissions package vote to defund public media in July, we expected this development as a likely outcome. CPB closing doesn’t mean NPR or WCBU is closing.
How much annual funding is WCBU losing?
WCBU is facing an immediate annual revenue loss of approximately $125,000. Our fiscal year 2025 CPB grant was delivered in two payments in November 2024 and March 2025 – as expected – and has been expended. We will not receive any additional CPB funding.
Fiscal year 2026, which began June 1 for Bradley University and WCBU, will be our first annual budget in more than 50 years without CPB funding.
We’re also concerned about shared costs for the public radio satellite system, music licensing and other infrastructure and programming costs previously covered by the CPB. It’s too soon to say how that may impact WCBU.
How will NPR and WCBU programming change?
We are working with NPR to determine our fiscal year 2026 programming fees and schedule. We do not plan any immediate changes to our programming line-up but cannot rule them out in the months ahead.
What cost-cutting measures is WCBU taking?
To better control our costs, we’re leaving three journalism positions vacant.
Can WCBU fill this funding gap and, if so, how?
Since the July defunding vote, WCBU and the NPR Network have been actively fundraising to fill the gap from the loss of CPB. We’re optimistic we’ll be able to replace half our lost funding. Our concern is long-term sustainability – we know this funding gap is a big ask each year for our community to fulfill on top of its current level of support.
Can WCBU just operate more like a commercial radio station to increase revenue?
The answer to that is simple: no, because doing so is illegal. WCBU has a non-commercial FCC license which restricts both the quantity and content of our underwriting announcements.
Additional questions? Contact us at wcbupeoria@illinoisstate.edu.
