Public radio stations like WOJB are a cornerstone of American media, connecting communities with vital news, diverse cultural programming, and a platform for underrepresented voices. Yet, as recent conversations in Congress about defunding public media resurface, the need for community support has never been greater.
WOJB, like many public radio stations, owes its existence to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. This visionary legislation established the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a public-private partnership that provides federal funding to 1,190 public radio stations and 356 public television stations across the country. This funding, while essential, forms only a part of the financial foundation for public media. Member contributions, sponsorships, and local fundraising efforts are crucial to keeping stations like WOJB on the air.
The Value of Public Media
Consider this: the United States spends just $3.16 per person annually on public media, a stark contrast to other nations like Germany ($142.42), Norway ($110.73), and the UK ($81.30). Despite this minimal investment, public media reaches 99% of the U.S. population, providing everything from emergency alerts to investigative journalism, children’s programming, and cultural enrichment.
For rural areas, stations like WOJB are not just a source of information but a lifeline. Federal grants often make up a significant portion of the budget for rural stations. These funds enable us to deliver local news, indigenous programming, and a platform for community voices that would otherwise struggle to be heard. If federal funding is reduced or eliminated, it’s these rural and vulnerable communities that will feel the impact most acutely.
The Threat to Public Media
Despite the clear value public media provides, it has faced repeated threats to its funding. Recent legislative proposals, such as the No Propaganda Act and the Defund NPR Act, aim to eliminate federal support. While the CPB’s funding is secured two years in advance, making immediate defunding unlikely, the long-term consequences of such efforts could be devastating.
“The most vulnerable stations serving the most vulnerable people are going to be the ones that are hurt the hardest,” said Eric Nuzum, a former NPR executive. Here at WOJB, we see this vulnerability firsthand. Federal grants help us maintain our infrastructure, produce quality programming, and serve our community—but they are not enough to cover all our needs.
Why WOJB Needs Your Support
WOJB is more than a radio station; it’s a community resource. We bring you local news, emergency alerts, indigenous voices, and music that reflects the unique culture of our region. These are things you won’t find on commercial radio or streaming platforms.
As federal funding hangs in the balance, your support becomes even more critical. By donating, becoming a member, or underwriting, you ensure that WOJB can continue to serve our community regardless of what happens in Washington. Every contribution helps us maintain editorial independence and provide the programming you rely on.
What Can You Do?
Subscribe to Our Website: Join the WOJB family by signing up for a subscription. Your recurring support provides stability and helps us plan for the future.
Donate: Make a one-time or monthly donation through our website at www.wojb.org/donate.
Become an Underwriter: Business owners can support WOJB through underwriting. Visit www.wojb.org/underwriters or contact us at development@wojb.org to learn more.
Spread the Word: Share why you love WOJB with your friends and family. Encourage them to listen and support.
Advocate: Contact your representatives to express your support for public media. Let them know how much WOJB means to you and our community.
A Final Thought
As Representative Ed Markey once said, “The question is not: ‘Can we afford it?’ but rather: ‘Can we afford to lose it?” For WOJB and other public radio stations, the answer is clear. We cannot afford to lose this vital resource. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that WOJB continues to be a voice for the people—now and for generations to come.
Portions of this blog post were informed by an article from The Guardian: "Trump’s NPR and PBS funding cut efforts," The Guardian, December 28, 2024.