The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Trump Orders Funding Cut To NPR & PBS. What Does This Mean For WNED?

**Posted by RadioActive** May 2, 2025 6:21 am

Claiming it's filled with "biased" reporting, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order late Thursday ordering the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cut funding to both NPR (National Public Radio) and PBS, which stations like WNED in Buffalo and WTVS in Detroit depend on for programming.

The ruling is not likely to go unchallenged and may even be unconstitutional, which has never stopped the Orange one before.

His reasons are almost laughable.

"The administration notes that under the CPB’s governing statute, the group may not “contribute to or otherwise support any political party.” The White House also accused government funding of news media to be “not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence,” arguing that the media landscape has become more “abundant” and “diverse” since the CPB was founded in 1967."

You can be sure this latest overstep will be challenged in court, but the question is what happens to the stations that depend on PBS in the meantime? I'm guessing viewer donations won't be enough to keep the main network going for long, let alone some of its spin-offs like PBS Kids.

In a time of so much uncertainty, the one thing that's almost certain is that you haven't heard the end of this. And the courts will be busy.

Trump White House Seeks to Cease Federal Funding to PBS, NPR With New Executive Order

Last edited by RadioActive (May 2, 2025 6:23 am)

**Posted by mace** May 2, 2025 6:52 am

I don't listen to NPR so I am not aware if they have a political slant in their programming. As for PBS, depending on the topic, I often watch Nova, Frontline, American Masters, American Experience, Independent Lens and P.O.V. Having access to three affilliates [Buffalo, Detroit and Seattle] is a nice bonus.

**Posted by Forward Power** May 2, 2025 7:47 am

As far as I know, NPR and its member stations are fairly neutral, though its critics and haters, including the orange toddler himself, accuse the nation's public broadcasters of being too "left", i.e. anywhere to the left of said critics' far-right positions.

**Posted by Buzzy Krumhunger** May 2, 2025 9:13 am

What does this mean for WNED?
Time to reanimate the corpses of Mike and Goldie!

**Posted by turkeytop** May 2, 2025 9:15 am

When we're in the US, I listen to NPR almost exclusively. They are mostly neutral. If they have any bias at all it is to the right.

They have a daily program for capitalists, "Marketplace." They don't have a program for the working class. They accept financial backing from corporations but they refuse donations from Unions and other labour organizations. They say it would create the appearance of bias.

**Posted by Radiowiz** May 2, 2025 9:38 am

This isn't a Trump thing at all. This has been a Republican thing since Mitt Romney ran against Obama and lost.
Mitt openly admitted the first order of business would be to terminate PBS funding if he were to win the election...

**Posted by Fitz** May 2, 2025 3:00 pm

Radiowiz wrote:
This isn't a Trump thing at all. This has been a Republican thing since Mitt Romney ran against Obama and lost.
Mitt openly admitted the first order of business would be to terminate PBS funding if he were to win the election...

Yes the republicans have been after it just as Conservatives have been after CBC but Don pulled the trigger and to him neutral/objective means something to go after as they are covering what is actually happening and not kissing at his feet like Trump state Television FOX and others of their ilk.

**Posted by turkeytop** May 2, 2025 8:13 pm

According to NPR, only about 3% of their funding comes from the public purse. The rest comes from listener contributions and from Corporate grants.

A loss of 3% of it's funding may not kill NPR but it would certainly hamper its ability to produce quality programs.

But if defunding doesn't kill NPR, the Republicans will try other means. Donations from listeners are tax deductible. They could take away that tax break to limit contributions.

**Posted by Plate Voltage** May 2, 2025 8:16 pm

turkeytop wrote:
According to NPR, only about 3% of their funding comes from the public purse. The rest comes from listener contributions and from Corporate grants.

A loss of 3% of it's funding may not kill NPR but it would certainly hamper its ability to produce quality programs.

But if defunding doesn't kill NPR, the Republicans will try other means. Donations from listeners are tax deductible. They could take away that tax break to limit contributions.

They could also go after licenses as they are for some of the privates.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 27, 2025 9:07 am

As the old saying goes, nobody gets rich but the lawyers.

NPR, Public Radio Stations Sue Trump Over Defunding: ‘Clear Violation of the Constitution’

**Posted by newsguy1** May 27, 2025 12:09 pm

Trump would probably ship Mike and Goldie off to El Salvador.

**Posted by mace** May 28, 2025 8:56 am

newsguy1 wrote:
Trump would probably ship Mike and Goldie off to El Salvador.

Would Goldie's whiny voice be the reason?

**Posted by RadioActive** June 12, 2025 7:38 pm

It's not official yet, but on Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives took the first step in cutting more than a billion dollars in funding to both PBS and NPR. That potentially puts the future of stations like WBFO-FM and WNED-TV in jeopardy. The measure passed by just two votes, despite the fact four Republicans voted against it.

It now has to clear the Senate and if it does, it could spell some very troubling times for public radio and TV down south.

How ironic then if it were to be left to Canadians to help fund Channel 17 if that happens. The Buffalo station gets a lot of money (taken at par) from Canada, especially those in the GTA. It's one of the reasons the entity behind it officially changed its name to Buffalo Toronto Public Media a few years back. But there are no guarantees that the programs on the station - and PBS itself - would be able to continue if the cuts officially become law.

Critics say PBS and NPR lean too heavily left and this is the chance for the right wing currently in charge to weaken them or get rid of them entirely.

What would happen to stations like WNED and WTVS in Detroit remains to be seen. But they would certainly be a shadow of their former selves if millions of dollars in funding suddenly disappeared - if, that is, they could even survive.

"If the bill passes and is signed by Trump, it would have a varying effect on NPR and PBS member stations. Larger operations — particularly those in major markets or which are backed by universities — are less likely to be impacted, with corporate underwriting supporting many of those stations.

"Small and rural-area radio and TV stations are more likely to see the immediate effects of lower funding. Some station managers have warned of significant layoffs and the inability to purchase programming from PBS, NPR and other public media distributors. Some may shut down entirely, leaving local communities deprived of critical news and information.

U.S. House votes to claw back $1.1 billion from public media

**Posted by ckg927** June 12, 2025 8:09 pm

It PASSED by 2 votes because 4 Democrats DIDN'T BOTHER TO VOTE.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 25, 2025 1:48 pm

To answer the original question of this thread, I guess we're going to find out on Monday. That's the night members of Buffalo Toronto Public Media hold a meeting discussing exactly what the effects of the huge budget cuts in Washington will have on the TV station and its radio outlets.

The slashing means they'll lose access to at least $2.2 million in annual funding, and according to the Buffalo News could "limit the ability to broadcast the wide variety of music available on BTPM stations, reduce opportunities for educational events for local educators and caregivers, and more."

The confab will be aired live on WNED and WBFO, as well as online, and will welcome questions from the public, including Toronto viewers. You can submit yours here.

State of the Stations

**Posted by RadioActive** July 28, 2025 5:45 am

RadioActive wrote:
To answer the original question of this thread, I guess we're going to find out on Monday. That's the night members of Buffalo Toronto Public Media hold a meeting discussing exactly what the effects of the huge budget cuts in Washington will have on the TV station and its radio outlets.

The slashing means they'll lose access to at least $2.2 million in annual funding, and according to the Buffalo News could "limit the ability to broadcast the wide variety of music available on BTPM stations, reduce opportunities for educational events for local educators and caregivers, and more."

The confab will be aired live on WNED and WBFO, as well as online, and will welcome questions from the public, including Toronto viewers. You can submit yours here.

State of the Stations

Just a reminder to anyone interested that this airs Monday night on Channel 17. It's unusual that a TV or radio station will do a show on its own future and talk about how it my be affected by misguided government policies. That in itself makes this something fascinating to watch. Add in viewer input from both sides of the border and it's especially rare.

While I doubt it will be riveting TV, it's strange enough that for those into publicly funded broadcasting services, it could be an historic show for the market. I'll give it a look.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** July 28, 2025 7:27 am

A very unusual broadcast for sure, I’m going to check it out. Thanks for the info RA.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 28, 2025 2:43 pm

It appears that some folks are talking with their wallets. It won't replace what was lost, but it's not only a start, it's a sign that many are willing to step up their support for public television. And WNED has the added benefit of having Canadian viewers as an extra income source.

NPR, PBS members see record donations after Congress cuts funding

**Posted by RadioActive** July 28, 2025 9:54 pm

The State of our Stations thing was a bit dull, but it was still interesting I thought. You got a glimpse at what goes on in programming decisions behind the scenes and what the cuts will mean to a station that's been around since the early 50s, first as an NBC O&O, then later as an educational outlet.

I'm glad I watched it.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** July 29, 2025 6:43 am

After making a mental note to watch this, I clean forgot and only remembered around 9pm! Getting old.

**Posted by mace** July 29, 2025 9:04 am

RadioActive wrote:
The State of our Stations thing was a bit dull, but it was still interesting I thought. You got a glimpse at what goes on in programming decisions behind the scenes and what the cuts will mean to a station that's been around since the early 50s, first as an NBC O&O, then later as an educational outlet.

I'm glad I watched it.

Ch 17, then WBUF, was owned by NBC from 1956-58. The previous years it was split between ABC and Dumont. Had NBC been able to make any money operating the station, WKBW would have been an independent station, which was the original plan for ch 7.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 29, 2025 9:50 am

Shorty Wave wrote:
After making a mental note to watch this, I clean forgot and only remembered around 9pm! Getting old.

Fortunately, technology has come to your rescue! There's a bit of an audio glitch off the top, but it quickly resolves itself. Interesting that they address viewers in the U.S. and Canada separately.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 30, 2025 6:43 am

RadioActive wrote:
Shorty Wave wrote:
After making a mental note to watch this, I clean forgot and only remembered around 9pm! Getting old.
Fortunately, technology has come to your rescue! There's a bit of an audio glitch off the top, but it quickly resolves itself. Interesting that they address viewers in the U.S. and Canada separately.

I have no idea why, but WNED has suddenly removed the video of their one hour show from YouTube with no explanation. It was up for a day or two, then mysteriously withdrawn. I'd love to know their reason for taking it down.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** July 30, 2025 7:02 am

RadioActive wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
Shorty Wave wrote:
After making a mental note to watch this, I clean forgot and only remembered around 9pm! Getting old.
Fortunately, technology has come to your rescue! There's a bit of an audio glitch off the top, but it quickly resolves itself. Interesting that they address viewers in the U.S. and Canada separately.

I have no idea why, but WNED has suddenly removed the video of their one hour show from YouTube with no explanation. It was up for a day or two, then mysteriously withdrawn. I'd love to know their reason for taking it down.

Just getting to this now RA, thank you for posting, too bad the video is no longer there! I checked out their site as well but no joy. Anyways, thanks again for trying!

**Posted by mace** July 30, 2025 10:00 am

I watched the program as well. They mentioned the fees that must be paid to PBS and NPR. The commercial networks have a similar policy with their affilliates. My question. Do all the stations pay the same fee or does it depend on the size of the market that determines the amount owing. Scott Fybush might be able to shed some light on this.

**Posted by Chrisphen** August 1, 2025 2:56 pm

CPB apparently announced it's winding down.

**Posted by Dale Patterson** August 1, 2025 3:48 pm

Chrisphen wrote:
CPB apparently announced it's winding down.

Details...

https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/media/trump-cpb-corporation-public-media-shuts-down

**Posted by Buzzy Krumhunger** August 1, 2025 4:40 pm

Just who exactly is at fault with CPB going teats up? Apparently the cheapo’s like you who donate to NPR and PBS. From the PBS Endowment Fund page…
Because PBS is commercial-free, many people mistakenly believe public funding provides the bulk of our resources. In fact, federal funding provides only about 15% of the revenue for the public television system. That’s an investment of $1.40 per taxpayer per year.
Because of you cheap chiselers who’ve failed to pick up the donation slack Big Bird, Elmo, Bert, Ernie and the poor souls forced to give Ken Burns his haircut are now destitute. I hope you non-donors are satisfied.

**Posted by Dial Twister** August 1, 2025 8:37 pm

https://archive.ph/AUqN4

**Posted by Buzzy Krumhunger** August 2, 2025 7:02 pm

So you’re going to trust the New York Slimes over what PBS claimed on their very own website? Somebody’s lying. Or maybe both the Slimes and CPB are guilty of a little nose stretching.
Ah well, enjoy your little foot stamping histrionics. What’s next on your Dial Twister Tantrum-A-Palooza? I’m guessing you also have a fiercely heterosexual dislike of Sylvia Sidney Sweeney Todd.