KUTX and our sister-station KUT News will forgo $1.2 million in annual funding after U.S. lawmakers made good on a pledge to cut federal money for public media. The funding covered two years, amounting to a $2.4 million immediate loss of promised money for the stations.
Lawmakers finalized the bill Thursday. It takes back roughly $1.1 billion previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides grants and other funds to public radio and television stations across the country. President Trump still needs to sign the bill, but he’s made clear his support for the cuts.
The cuts make up about 6% of KUT/X’s annual budget. While that may seem like a small percentage, a loss of $1.2 Million annually could still have a big impact. If that hole isn’t filled, Debbie Hiott, our general manager, said our organization may not be able to fill open positions and could stop airing certain shows.
Listen, below, to General Manager Debbie Hiott’s conversation with Susan Castle about the funding cuts and what they’ll mean, in particular, for KUTX.
And – if you’re not yet a member of KUTX & KUT – now is a great time to support us! Members are KUTX & KUT fans who support these non-profit stations with a financial donation. A monthly donation – starting at $8 per month – will best help us plan in this unprecedented moment, but one-time gifts are also appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible. Help us close this funding gap and remain strong for Austin! Your support will ensure that KUTX and KUT can bring you the music you love and the news you rely on – 24/7, paywall-free, for any Austinite whenever and wherever they need us.
Thank you, Austin, for your unwavering support. Here at KUTX, we are so passionate about preserving, protecting, and amplifying Austin music. Your support is validation of that passion and it means the world to us.
Read KUT reporter Audrey McGlinchy’s story about the cuts
Listen to KUT/KUTX General Manager Debbie Hiott’s conversation with Susan Castle:
