What do federal funding cuts mean for the future of AZPM?

Background

At a time when trust in institutions is eroding and misinformation spreads rapidly, reliable, fact-based journalism and noncommercial educational content are more vital than ever. Yet Congress, at the request of the White House, recently rescinded federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the primary source of federal support for public media stations across the country.

For more than 50 years, CPB has sustained PBS and NPR, two of America’s most trusted media organizations. They are more than broadcasters, they are public servants, providing free access to news, education, culture, and the arts for all Americans.

Here in Southern Arizona, AZPM (a nonprofit community service of the University of Arizona) embodies this model. Every federal dollar supported local productions like Arizona Illustrated, Arizona Spotlight, The Press Room, podcasts, and daily newscasts. Viewer and listener donations fund national programming from PBS, NPR, BBC, and others.

AZPM also delivers PBS Kids programs that help close early learning gaps, provides training for University of Arizona students, and supports public safety infrastructure including WARN (emergency alerts) and PCWIN (public safety communications). With local newspapers disappearing and social media stepping back from fact-checking, AZPM’s independent journalism is more critical than ever.

Key Distinctions: CPB, PBS, NPR, and AZPM

• CPB: Independent nonprofit that distributed federal funding to public media organizations.
• PBS: Television program distributor for member stations; PBS itself does not produce programs.
• NPR: Radio program producer and distributor for member stations.
• AZPM: Southern Arizona’s local public media service, offering three TV and four radio program services, plus award-winning original local productions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to federal funding?

In July, Congress rescinded $550 million annually (FY26 & FY27) previously allocated to CPB. Roughly 70% of these funds flowed directly to local stations like AZPM. CPB has announced it will close at the end of FY25, on September 30th.

Why is this important?

Federal funding provides a foundation for local journalism, children’s programming, and universal access to noncommercial media. Without it, stations face serious challenges maintaining these services.

How much of AZPM’s budget came from CPB?

About 12–15% annually—roughly $1.56 million per year—all directed to original local productions. While not the majority of AZPM’s budget, this “cornerstone” funding leveraged additional community support.

How will the cuts affect AZPM?

The loss of federal funds is significant. AZPM will continue serving Southern Arizona, but staffing, local production, and innovation will be affected. Our mission remains unchanged: to educate, inform, inspire, and connect our community.

Will AZPM shut down?

No. AZPM will remain on the air and online. However, cuts will mean difficult choices, including staff reductions and perhaps slower growth.

What about PBS Kids and Sesame Street?

PBS Kids programs, including Sesame Street, will continue for the time being. These programs depend on community support to remain free for every child.

Will I still see PBS favorites and hear NPR or BBC news?

Yes. Masterpiece, NOVA, NPR news, and BBC World Service will continue, thanks in large part to community support.

What about Passport?

AZPM Passport remains available to members who give $5/month or more. Funding reductions might impact the number of Passport-only titles that AZPM can independently acquire.

Why can’t public media rely only on donations?

Community contributions are vital, but federal funding was unique—it guaranteed universal access, especially for rural and smaller stations (some rely on CPB for 60–80% of their budgets). AZPM will now rely more heavily on viewer and listener support.

Why should there be federal funding?

Federal seed money ensured every community, urban or rural, wealthy or not, had access to educational media. For AZPM, it supported local productions, staff, and public safety systems like WARN and Amber Alerts.

How is public media different from commercial outlets?

Public media is noncommercial, independent, and mission-driven. Its purpose is to inform, educate, and inspire—not profit. FCC rules prohibit AZPM from airing commercials.

How can supporters help?

• Give at azpm.org/give
• Increase your giving or become a Sustaining Member
• Share your story about what public media means to you
• Stay informed at protectmypublicmedia.org
• Contact your elected officials to voice support for public media

Is there any chance funding will be restored?

Not in the near term. CPB will close on Sept. 30, 2025. Future funding depends on Congressional action and public advocacy.

How will AZPM keep the community updated?

Through our website, newsletters, broadcasts, and a virtual town hall on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. on our YouTube channel.

What about the new Baker Center?

The Baker Center project is funded entirely by donors through a separate capital campaign. Federal cuts do not affect it.

Is the community stepping up?

Yes! Thankfully, many donors have increased their support, and new members are joining. Continued commitment is essential.

How are AZPM staff handling this?

The cuts are difficult, but the community’s encouragement has been inspiring. We remain mission-driven and united.

Will there be layoffs?

Yes. To offset the cuts, AZPM must reduce staff by about 17%. Eleven open or new positions will not be filled, and six current roles will be eliminated.

How will AZPM survive?

Through tighter budgets, creating operational efficiencies, developing new and increased revenues, and above all, stronger partnerships with our community.

Want to help? Please donate.