Friends of Cincinnati Public Radio:
I trust the numerous communications we’ve posted over the past few months have served to warn you about the unprecedented assault being waged against public media on multiple fronts—from politicized Congressional hearings to an unwarranted FCC investigation to a recent Executive Order aiming to eliminate funding to NPR and PBS.
And now, Tuesday afternoon, the White House launched what is arguably the most direct attack on WVXU/WMUB and WGUC—and all public media organizations nationwide: a new and aggressive proposal that would claw back already-appropriated funds. It’s part of a broader “rescission package,” a rarely used mechanism to fast-track federal budget cuts.
From this past Tuesday, Congress has 45 administrative days to vote on the proposal, though a vote could come as early as next week. If passed, the rescission would eliminate funding for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027—funding that was already approved. This is critical revenue that we and stations across the country rely on to carry out our mission, fulfill our mandate, and serve our audiences. Or, to put it bluntly, this is the funding that keeps the lights on, keeps our signals on the air, and keeps the entire public media system working as a whole.
Time is of the essence. Please Stand With Us right now. Visit our online resource hub and urge Congress to vote against this rescission proposal.
The House is expected to move quickly, and we must respond immediately and in lockstep to prevent its passage. This is our most urgent priority, and the greatest chance we have to keep level funding for our critical work.
The proposal delivered today directly threatens the work done in every corner of Cincinnati Public Radio: trusted local and breaking news from the WVXU news team; statewide reporting from The Ohio Newsroom; community conversation on Cincinnati Edition; excellent classical music from WGUC; and educational outreach programs like Classics For Kids and Democracy and Me.
Cincinnati Public Radio has been here for our community for more than 65 years, and we will stand strong through the 21st century as a bastion of fearless and independent media. Right now, as we face a threat unlike any other we’ve seen, we are both hopeful and grateful to have you standing by our side.
Thanks.
Richard N. Eiswerth
President, General Manager & CEO
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What has happened?
President Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media.” The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop federal funding for NPR and PBS.
Does this mean Cincinnati Public Radio is losing federal support?
Not immediately. CPB is not under presidential authority — Congress created it to be independent. Executive orders don’t automatically change funding structures.
Does the order cut total public media funding?
No, the order hasn’t changed the overall congressional appropriation for public media yet. However, removing NPR and PBS could have a ripple effect on local stations like WVXU, WGUC, and WMUB.
How much federal funding does CPR receive?
Roughly 5% of CPR’s annual operating budget comes from CPB, which supports emergency alerts, educational outreach, and local journalism. The remaining 95% comes from members, sponsors, foundations, and community support.
Is Cincinnati Public Radio in danger of shutting down?
No. Cincinnati Public Radio remains operational and strong. The order targets federal dollars only. Private donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and member support continue to be the foundation of Cincinnati Public Radio’s near and long-term sustainability.
However, if CPB funds are redirected, the impact could be significant for local stations, especially smaller ones.
What is CPR doing in response?
CPR is doing several things to remain sure-footed in these unprecedented times:
- Assessing and planning with CPB and NPR
- Advocating with lawmakers to protect essential services
- Staying transparent and keeping the public informed
- Diversifying funding so services never depend on one source.
Has Cincinnati Public Radio's mission changed?
Not at all. We remain committed to building a trusted public radio station in Greater Cincinnati—sharing diverse voices, strengthening the community, and ensuring everyone feels seen and heard.
Cincinnati Public Radio’s mission is to be a trusted, independent source of journalism, music, and culture to empower a vibrant, engaged, and informed community. That will not change.
Further questions? Send us an email at wvxu@wvxu.org.