Public Media Is Facing Its Most Serious Threat Yet

Dear friends of WNIJ and WNIU,

The loss of federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a serious blow—not just to our stations, but to the public service we provide to our region every single day. This funding has supported local journalism and artists, 24/7 classical music, emergency alerting, and the programming that connects us across communities and ideas. For more than six decades, CPB has helped build stations like ours from DeKalb and Rockford to Freeport, Sterling and LaSalle. With this loss, we are facing a $270,000 shortfall this year and next year.

Here’s what hasn’t changed: our commitment to you.

We are determined to keep WNIJ and WNIU strong, local, and resilient. We’ve been careful stewards of our resources, but they can only stretch so far in this new funding picture. The future of public radio in northern Illinois now depends more than ever on the community we serve.

When you give, you’re not just filling a funding gap, you’re standing up for independent news, music that stirs the soul, and a trusted space that brings people together.

Because you believe in the value of what we do, I’m asking you to take action today. Your support will carry us forward.

With gratitude,

Staci Hoste

General Manager WNIJ & Classical WNIU

FAQ: What the Loss of Federal Funding Means for WNIJ & WNIU

What happened to federal funding for public radio?

Congress passed legislation that rescinds all funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) -- the primary source of federal support for public radio. That means WNIJ and WNIU have lost all our federal funding moving forward.

How much funding are we losing?

We’re losing $270,000 in annual funding through CPB’s Community Service Grant program.

What will WNIJ/WNIU do now that this funding has been lost?

We are working urgently to raise the $270,000 in lost CPB support through increased contributions from local donors and business sponsors.

Without this federal funding, essential services are at risk—including the production of local news and music programming, our ability to purchase national programs from NPR and other distributors, and the maintenance of our broadcast and digital infrastructure.

It’s not just our station. Public radio stations across the country rely on shared CPB resources—from satellite interconnection and emergency alert systems to music licensing and educational service development. The loss of CPB funding weakens the entire public media system, and that ripple effect would directly impact WNIJ and WNIU.

What does CPB funding support annually?

At WNIJ and WNIU, CPB funding supports the essential building blocks of our local service. That includes:

· Annual programming costs for local and national shows you count on

· Local journalism and community information that helps you stay informed

· Emergency alerting systems that keep our region safe during severe weather and emergencies

· Music rights and licensing fees that allow us to broadcast 24-hour classical music on WNIU, plus other favorite local and national music shows on WNIJ

This funding is a quiet but vital part of what keeps us on the air—and in your life—every day.

Will I notice any changes?

We're doing everything we can to minimize the impact on listeners, but a cut this size affects every part of our operation. In time, you may notice reduced resources and scaled-back programming unless we can make up the difference with local support.

Can public radio keep going without this funding?

Yes—but not without you. We’ve been thoughtful stewards of our resources, and while those efforts provide some cushion, they can only take us so far. Now, as federal funding has been cut, continuing our mission relies entirely on the support of our community.

Public radio has always flourished because of local listener and business support. In this moment, that isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Your participation today ensures we can keep delivering the trusted reporting, programming, and music that enrich our region.

Is this a permanent loss of funding?

At this time, federal public media funding has been eliminated, and there is no current plan to restore it. We are working with other stations and public media organizations to advocate for a change, but we can’t count on it. We must prepare for a future where local funding is our only source of support.

How can I help?

You can:

· Donate today to help fill the gap and keep essential services running

· Become a monthly sustainer to help provide stable, ongoing support

· Spread the word—tell your friends and family why WNIJ and WNIU matter to you