“We may have lost this round, but the fight is far from over.”
An email from Ideastream Public Media to its listeners and viewers on Thursday provides an example of how America’s public radio and TV organizations are responding to the looming loss of federal funding support.
Ideastream serves northeast Ohio. It operates news and information station WKSU(FM), classical music station WCLV(FM), a full-time HD jazz station/streaming service and five public television stations. It also manages the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau on behalf of Ohio’s public broadcasting stations.
Its President/CEO Kevin Martin told supporters in his email that if the rescission package on Capitol Hill became law this week as expected, every public media station in the nation will not receive Community Service Grant dollars for their fiscal years 2026 and 2027. (The Senate approved the legislation Thursday, and the U.S. House did so early Friday.)
“Ideastream’s FY2026 begins on Oct. 1, 2025. These CSG funds account for approximately 10% of our annual operating budget,” Martin wrote.
“While that percentage may seem modest, the absence of these funds could have a substantial impact — not only on our local operations but on PBS and NPR’s ability to produce, acquire and distribute the high-quality programming we have all come to appreciate and enjoy.”
He reminded readers that the rescission is separate from Congress’s ongoing deliberations on the federal budget, which could potentially eliminate CPB funding altogether for fiscal 2028 and 2029.
“That outcome remains uncertain. However, as you know, much can change in two years — and restoring this essential funding will be a formidable challenge.”
Martin said that as far as immediate impact, Ideastream does not foresee major changes in the next few months.
“As for the long-term implications, only time will tell. We are deeply disappointed by this funding decision, but we remain resolute and optimistic about our future. The entire public media ecosystem — PBS, NPR, and local stations like Ideastream — are built through collaborations and a shared infrastructure. The ripple effect of this funding loss will be felt throughout the system, particularly by smaller and rural stations that may face the real possibility of closure.”
He said the organization remains dedicated to “delivering trusted news and information, arts and culture, music, and educational content — services our community has counted on for generations.”
Martin asked supporters to tell their U.S. representative to oppose the legislation in the House, and asked them to become monthly sustaining donors.
“Just as important as financial support is your continued advocacy. Please keep speaking up for public media — contact your elected officials, spread the word, and stay engaged. We may have lost this round, but the fight is far from over.”
Below is a coverage map from the Ideastream website.
