NWPB reduces operating costs by nearly 2 million

Northwest Public Broadcasting will cut $1. 8 million from its annual operating costs, closing KWSU-TV in Pullman by the end of the year. This decision comes after a significant decrease in projected revenue and a nearly $2 million reduction in federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The budget adjustments aim to balance NWPB's finances by fiscal year 2029, although staff reductions are anticipated. Dean Bruce Pinkleton highlighted NWPB Radio's critical role in reaching smaller and rural communities, which will remain unaffected by the TV station's closure.

KWSU-TV, operational since 1962, has a rich history as one of the earliest educational television stations in the Northwest. Despite the changes, donors will still access TV streaming services via KTNW in the Tri-Cities. The financial challenges stem from prior investments in digital services that did not yield expected returns. Pinkleton noted that all decisions regarding staff cuts must involve discussions with the union representing KWSU-TV employees.