San Francisco public media would be eviscerated by Trumps proposed cuts

Proposed federal budget cuts threaten to eliminate $30 million in annual funding for San Francisco public media, including KQED and KALW. President Trump's budget proposal, sent to Congress, includes $9. 4 billion in cuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting facing $1. 1 billion in reductions. The Independent Television Service stands to lose 86% of its funding, which would drastically alter its operations, as it relies heavily on federal support.

Already, ITVS has laid off 20% of its workforce due to funding uncertainties. Local media leaders caution that such cuts will impair their ability to deliver critical news coverage and community services. KALW's executive director expressed concern over the psychological impact of funding insecurity on staff and operations. The cuts may force KALW to reduce international news coverage and limit local reporting. Northern California Public Media also warned that its environmental reporting initiatives could be jeopardized, highlighting the broader implications of the proposed rescissions.