Independent Journalism Is Under Threat
Federal funding helps power our reporting. If it’s cut, we need new members to bridge the gap.
As local newsrooms vanish and corporate media chase profits, independent journalism is at risk. We answer only to our community—your support keeps fact-based, nonprofit reporting alive.
Your donation keeps journalism accountable to the public, not shareholders. Every contribution helps safeguard the future of independent news.
Stand Up for Public Media Today
What’s Happening with Public Media Funding?
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Right now, more than $2 million in federal funding that supports WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times is at risk. This funding comes through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes federal dollars to over 1,400 local public radio and television stations across the country.
While listener and reader support make up the majority of our funding, CPB grants are crucial for sustaining our operations. These funds help us provide essential services, including local journalism, emergency alerts, educational programming, and community outreach.
The proposed rescission of CPB funding by Congress threatens the stability of public media nationwide. If these cuts are enacted, outlets like WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times could face significant challenges in maintaining the quality and breadth of our programming.
Why This Matters
Public media plays a vital role in our democracy by providing free, accessible, and trustworthy information to all Americans. The potential loss of federal funding jeopardizes our ability to serve our communities effectively, particularly in underserved and rural areas where public media is often the primary source of news and information.
How You Can Help
Your support is more critical than ever. By becoming a member or increasing your contribution, you help ensure that WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times can continue to provide the high-quality journalism and programming that our community relies on.
Together, we can safeguard the future of public media in Chicago and beyond.