The White House’s recent proposal to rescind $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has drawn sharp criticism from WFYI Public Media, a key beneficiary of CPB funding. This move, announced in a June 3 memorandum, threatens the financial stability of 1,500 public media stations nationwide, including Indianapolis-based WFYI.
If Congress approves the proposal, WFYI stands to lose $1.5 million annually, representing 11% of its budget. Combined with recent state funding cuts, the station faces a total reduction of $2.1 million, which would significantly impact its ability to provide trusted journalism, educational resources and arts programming to Hoosiers.
“Though funding cuts are not yet approved by Congress, the request from the administration signals a significant escalation in efforts to defund public media. This is a credible threat to our work, jeopardizing essential services that inform and unite Americans,” said Greg Petrowich, CEO of WFYI Public Media.
Petrowich emphasized that WFYI’s mission hinges on local engagement.
“WFYI Public Media is an indispensable part of this community — an institution that connects, informs and engages Hoosiers through trusted journalism, inspiring storytelling and lifelong learning,” he said.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting leverages federal funding to support a successful public-private partnership. An annual investment of less than $1.60 per American generates more than seven times that amount in local returns.
According to national polling, 76% of Americans support continued federal funding for public broadcasting. Advocates argue that cutting CPB funding would disproportionately affect rural communities where public media stations rely heavily on federal support.
WFYI is urging its supporters to advocate for public media by visiting ProtectMyPublicMedia.org.
To learn more about WFYI’s funding challenges and support independent public media, visit wfyi.org/funding.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
 has drawn sharp criticism from WFYI Public Media, a key beneficiary of CPB funding.){kind=link}