Public media outlets in the Lehigh Valley face a significant financial hit after the U.S. Senate voted in favor of spending cuts that include slashing $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The bill, which claws back $9.9 billion intended for foreign aid and CPB, passed 51-48 around 2 a.m. Thursday after several hours of debate. The Pennsylvania delegation split along partisan lines, with Democrat John Fetterman voting no and Republican Dave McCormick voting yes. The measure goes back to the House of Representatives for another vote before heading to President Donald Trump for his signature.
While the Lehigh Valley’s outlets — WDIY radio and Lehigh Valley Public Media, which consists of PBS39, WLVR radio and the Lehigh Valley News website — receive most of their funding from public donations, even a little loss could greatly affect such things as programming.
WDIY Executive Director Margaret McConnell said the station, which has broadcast at 88.1 FM for the last 30 years, “is deeply concerned about the vote.”
“WDIY has been a vital source of trusted news, local cultural programming, carefully curated music and community affairs coverage that amplifies local voices and reflects the diversity and spirit of our region,” McConnell said. “Rescinding this funding threatens a lifeline that public radio provides to millions of Americans, including our listeners here at home.”
In an opinion piece published in The Morning Call on June 14, McConnell said federal funding accounts for about 15% of WDIY’s annual budget with the remaining 85% coming from listener donations, underwriting from local businesses, private foundations and grants.
McConnell said that makes for a “lean” operation.
She said that the station will confer with U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th District, before the House vote. The House passed it 214-212 last month, but has to vote again because of an amendment added by the Senate.
“We are still in this fight and will continue to do all that we can to advocate with Congressman Mackenzie until the final vote,” McConnell said. “We are urging our listeners to advocate on our behalf today as well. If rescission passes, WDIY will continue to engage with the community and explore all possible funding avenues to preserve this essential service for the Lehigh Valley.”
Meanwhile, Bethlehem-based Lehigh Valley Public Media could lose as much as 20% of its funding. According to ProPublica nonprofit records, that’s a little more than $1 million.
Hasanna Birdsong, who took over as LVPM CEO on June 30, said the organization will continue “to serve the needs of the community.” She’s confident the Lehigh Valley will step up to help any gaps.
“We do that by providing content that is relevant and accessible,” she said. “I think when we do that, the community is willing to support us. The Lehigh Valley is a generous community, not just to our nonprofit, but to many of the nonprofits here.
“When they see that someone is having a meaningful impact on the community, they’re willing to step up.”
Morning Call reporter Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected].
