W.Va. Public Broadcasting makes best of budget cuts, possible federal funding loss

West Virginia Public Broadcasting is coping with a budget cut exceeding 10 percent while anticipating further challenges due to potential federal funding losses after President Trump signed an executive order halting financial support for NPR and PBS. The executive order argues that taxpayer funding for public media is unnecessary in today’s diverse media landscape and accuses these organizations of liberal bias. In fiscal year 2024, federal funding contributed 18. 8 percent, or $1. 9 million, to West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s total budget of $10.

2 million. The West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Commission is closely monitoring the funding situation, as it relies on a mix of state, federal, and private sources for its operations. Cabinet Secretary Chelsea Ruby praised efforts to reduce overhead costs and diversify funding. Private donations accounted for 44. 5 percent of the broadcaster’s budget, highlighting the importance of alternative funding strategies.

The CPB is fully funded by Congress through September 2027, but its future support for NPR and PBS remains uncertain. Legislative support had been increasing for West Virginia Public Broadcasting over recent years, making the budget cuts particularly impactful.