Fear of Fed Public Media Cuts Force Lay Offs At MSU’s WKAR

WKAR Public Media lays off nine staff due to a CPB funding rescission, which impacts TV production, digital operations, and fundraising. Federal budget cuts exacerbate challenges for public broadcasters, threatening crucial services and community programs across Michigan.

CPB funding rescission prompts layoffs at WKAR amid federal cuts and state budget constraints

Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding rescission forces layoffs at WKAR, deepens local media strain

EAST LANSING, Mich. – WKAR Public Media, the NPR–PBS affiliate licensed to Michigan State University, announced the layoff of nine staff members on June 30, citing a “CPB funding rescission” amid federal and university budget cuts. These departures primarily affect TV production, digital operations, and fundraising roles.

Wide-ranging public media cuts follow federal action

In March, President Trump’s administration introduced Executive Order?14290, and in June the U.S. House narrowly passed a $9.4?billion rescission package that includes a $1.1?billion claw-back from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)?. The Senate Appropriations Committee is now reviewing the bill, with a pivotal vote expected in July?.

Michigan station among numerous local media affected

Like many public broadcasters, WKAR relies on federal funding for about 16?percent of its budget?. WMU and Michigan Public have previously warned about service reductions due to funding losses?. With MSU mandating across-the-board budget cuts, management said the layoffs were “unavoidable”.

Emergency alerts and education under pressure

WKAR-FM serves as Michigan’s primary Emergency Alert System station, relaying critical warnings statewide. GM Shawn Turner noted in a May forum that stations rely on CPB for emergency services, including FEMA alerts and datacasting to underserved communities. “Sixteen percent of my budget will just be gone overnight,” Turner warned?.

Legal challenge and uncertainty in Washington

PBS and NPR are suing the administration, contending the executive order violates the Public Broadcasting Act and the First Amendment?. The House’s rescission bill passed 214–212, but critics argue it breaks precedent and could exacerbate “news deserts,” especially in rural regions?.

Expert perspective: shifting funding landscape

Media policy analyst James V. Saturno of CRS says, “Public broadcasting stations in smaller and rural markets have a greater dependence on federal funding”?. He warns that rescinding CPB funds risks leaving underserved Michigan listeners with diminished news access and weaker emergency preparedness.

Local impact extends beyond newsroom

WKAR’s community programs—like K?12 educational datacasting and a special radio channel for the visually impaired—depend on CPB support?. With cuts to TV production and fundraising staff, such local offerings may be reduced or suspended.

Public media’s future in jeopardy

Even as GM Turner said no further layoffs are expected, stations nationwide are recalibrating operations—pausing hires, intensifying fundraising, and trimming new content development?wsj.com. Michigan’s public media outlets, including Michigan Public, will be part of that strategic shift.

Unless Senate reverses course, the CPB funding rescission could reshape public radio and TV’s role in Michigan communities—from breaking news coverage to emergency notifications and educational outreach. Senators Susan Collins and Mike Rounds may seek to defend essential services in vulnerable areas?.

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