Yes, BPR is facing a $330,000 budget shortfall from impending cuts to NPR. We need your help.
By Stephanie Rogers
May 16, 2025 at 12:53 PM EDT
You may have heard that federal funding for NPR and PBS is on the chopping block. That’s true — and yes, BPR will be affected.
An executive order signed on May 1 by President Trump directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop funding NPR and PBS, part of a broader effort to cut public media support nationwide. While legal challenges are unfolding, the potential loss of funding is already threatening stations like Blue Ridge Public Radio, which receives about $330,000 annually from CPB.
That’s roughly 9% of our operating budget. For a nonprofit newsroom, that’s a big deal.
What is CPB, and why does it matter?
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit organization created by Congress in 1967 to support public media across the United States. It distributes federal funds to more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations (including BPR) to ensure that everyone, regardless of geography or income, can access free, fact-based news and cultural programming that is free from advertiser bias.
What does BPR do with that money?
CPB funding makes BPR as you currently know it possible. The funding plays a quiet but critical role in what you hear on the air and read on our website every day.
That funding helps us produce the programming and local coverage that enriches and strengthens Western North Carolina’s communities, including:
During Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolinians gathered around a hand-crank radio to listen to BPR. (1920x1440, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
One of our readers summed up the critical role BPR played in emergency communications after Helene, writing on Instagram that BPR was “the only way to learn anything” in the days following the devastating storm.
“I wouldn’t have known anything about our water being unsafe, our highways being destroyed… and no way to know where to find help,” they continued. “I will never forget being glued to a battery radio with neighbors to listen to updates from Blue Ridge Public Radio.”
When the Western North Carolina wildfires blazed through the region six months later, BPR again provided essential coverage of evacuation orders and more.
CPB funding also helps maintain the infrastructure that carries BPR’s signal across 14 counties, including rural, mountainous areas that don’t have access to any other source of news or even cell signal.
What happens if that money disappears?
Losing this federal funding would mean tough choices. For small stations like BPR, there’s no easy way to absorb a $330,000 loss.
It could lead to less local reporting, fewer emergency updates, and a reduced ability to serve the many Western North Carolina communities that rely on us — especially those in rural areas.
But there’s good news: You can help.
How you can support BPR right now
BPR’s most reliable source of funding is you. Our listeners. Here’s how you can make a difference:
During Helene and the wildfires, BPR was your lifeline. Now, be our lifeline.
We’re here because of you — and with your help, we’ll stay here.
An executive order signed on May 1 by President Trump directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop funding NPR and PBS, part of a broader effort to cut public media support nationwide. While legal challenges are unfolding, the potential loss of funding is already threatening stations like Blue Ridge Public Radio, which receives about $330,000 annually from CPB.
That’s roughly 9% of our operating budget. For a nonprofit newsroom, that’s a big deal.
What is CPB, and why does it matter?
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit organization created by Congress in 1967 to support public media across the United States. It distributes federal funds to more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations (including BPR) to ensure that everyone, regardless of geography or income, can access free, fact-based news and cultural programming that is free from advertiser bias.
What does BPR do with that money?
CPB funding makes BPR as you currently know it possible. The funding plays a quiet but critical role in what you hear on the air and read on our website every day.
That funding helps us produce the programming and local coverage that enriches and strengthens Western North Carolina’s communities, including:
- Local news: BPR provides detailed coverage of local government, growth and development, rural communities, public health and more.
- Music and the arts: Through BPR Classic, our classical music and late-night jazz station and partnerships with arts organizations like the Asheville Symphony, Brevard Music Center are possible.
- Public safety, emergency coverage and essential information: When Hurricane Helene knocked out power, water, and internet for thousands of residents last fall, that funding helped ensure that we stayed on the air, sharing real-time updates on food, water, utilities and more.
During Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolinians gathered around a hand-crank radio to listen to BPR. (1920x1440, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
One of our readers summed up the critical role BPR played in emergency communications after Helene, writing on Instagram that BPR was “the only way to learn anything” in the days following the devastating storm.
“I wouldn’t have known anything about our water being unsafe, our highways being destroyed… and no way to know where to find help,” they continued. “I will never forget being glued to a battery radio with neighbors to listen to updates from Blue Ridge Public Radio.”
When the Western North Carolina wildfires blazed through the region six months later, BPR again provided essential coverage of evacuation orders and more.
CPB funding also helps maintain the infrastructure that carries BPR’s signal across 14 counties, including rural, mountainous areas that don’t have access to any other source of news or even cell signal.
What happens if that money disappears?
Losing this federal funding would mean tough choices. For small stations like BPR, there’s no easy way to absorb a $330,000 loss.
It could lead to less local reporting, fewer emergency updates, and a reduced ability to serve the many Western North Carolina communities that rely on us — especially those in rural areas.
But there’s good news: You can help.
How you can support BPR right now
BPR’s most reliable source of funding is you. Our listeners. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Become a BPR Sustainer: Maximize your support by setting up a monthly donation. It’s the easiest and most effective way to support our work. If you’re already a Sustaining Member, increase your monthly contribution.
- Make a one-time donation: Every gift helps bridge the funding gap.
- Donate your vehicle: We accept cars, boats, RVs and more. It’s easier than you think and helps power the station.
- Join the Leadership Circle: Make a bigger commitment to support independent journalism.
- Become a Day Sponsor: With a gift of $365 or more, you can celebrate someone or highlight a cause you care about.
- Tell us what it means to you: Share your story about why BPR and public media matters in an email.
During Helene and the wildfires, BPR was your lifeline. Now, be our lifeline.
We’re here because of you — and with your help, we’ll stay here.