Earlier this spring, we told you that BPR is facing a potential $330,000 budget shortfall due to potential cuts to federal funding for public media.
Now, that threat is escalating.
On Tuesday, June 3, the White House moved forward with a rescissions package — a fast-track proposal to Congress to claw back $1.1B of pre-approved funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a nonprofit that distributes funds to NPR, PBS and local public media stations like BPR.
Congress must vote on the request within 45 days at the most. A vote could come any day now.
If the rescissions package is approved, BPR would lose about 9% of our budget. That’s money we rely on to produce local news, provide public safety updates and emergency coverage, maintain our radio towers and transmitters and so much more.
This isn’t just about government policy. This is about whether Western North Carolina will continue to have access to trusted, fact-based news — especially rural parts of our community that have no other way to access reliable information.
Please take urgent action.
3 ways you can help right now
1. Email Congress
Even if you have previously voiced your support for BPR, NPR and public media, you can and should contact them again to oppose the rescission package.
Protect My Public Media's simple template makes it easy to contact your legislators.
2. Call your local lawmakers
Calls to Congress can help lawmakers know that you support public media, and indicate how their state or district is thinking about an issue.
Here’s a script.
I’m calling to urge [LAWMAKER NAME] to oppose efforts to eliminate federal funding for public media. My local station, Blue Ridge Public Radio, is a vital part of our community — it connects us and keeps us informed on issues of local importance, especially during emergencies.
Without this funding, stations like ours could go dark. That’s not a risk I’m willing to accept. Please oppose the rescission proposal, and tell the Appropriations Committee you support continued level funding for public media in the FY 2026 appropriation.
You can find the names and phone numbers of your local lawmakers on the N.C. Legislature’s website.
3. Share your BPR story
Your experiences with BPR are the best example of why our station is a critical part of our local community. Share how BPR has informed, educated, or supported you. These stories can also be powerful testimonials to share with lawmakers and community members.
Submit your story in an email or via a voice memo.
Other recent updates
- NPR sues the White House: On May 27, NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a lawsuit against the White House’s executive order. The lawsuit says that the order violates the Constitution and free speech protections under the First Amendment. Read NPR CEO Katherine Maher’s statement on the suit.
