WKU Public Media cuts staff by a third amid elimination of federal support
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Public Media has reportedly made cuts to a portion of its staff amid the recent elimination of federal funding.
Jordan Basham, interim executive director of WKU Public Media, released the following statement Tuesday:
”WKU Public Media exists to enhance the quality of life in this region. We accomplish this by presenting unique, non-commercial programming of exceptional quality. From the highest caliber local journalism to world-class arts, education, news, and entertainment programs. Each day we bring our communities a wealth of ideas, information, and inspiration.
“The recent elimination of federal support for public media through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has created a significant, immediate funding deficit for our organization. Despite budget realignment, operational cost reductions, and an incredible emergency fundraising response, the shortfall requires difficult changes.
“Effective October 1, 2025, we have reduced our staff by a third, six full-time and two part-time positions from across our operation. These are valued members of our team, and we’re grateful for their service.
As we take steps to ensure our long-term financial stability, we remain committed to serve as a free, reliable, fact-based source for all.”
This follows a $1.1 billion funding cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting this past summer.
On Western Kentucky University’s website, WKU Public Media states it “provides public service broadcasting to the community, professional training for students and creates and distributes media content that serves WKU and the citizens of Kentucky.”
The group oversees “WKU Public Radio, WKU PBS, The Hilltopper Sports Satellite Network and WKU’s two CATV systems,” the website further states.
In addition, WKU Public Radio stated on Tuesday, Sept. 30 in a social media post on Facebook that starting on Oct. 1, it will no longer air BBC World News.
The post continued, stating, “This programming will be replaced with The Daily and Marketplace. The Daily is a news program produced by The New York Times and is one of the most popular news podcasts in the nation. Marketplace is the flagship program for the team behind the Marketplace Morning Report and Marketplace Tech. This change was not made lightly, nor due to any issues with the quality of our previous programming. This is part of our ongoing changes to ensure we can continue to serve our communities as best as we can for as long as we can. Thank you for understanding and for continuing to support WKU Public Media!”
To learn how you can help support WKU Public Media programs, click here. News 40 will provide any additional updates as they are released.
