July 17th, 2025: The Senate has voted to approve rescinding federal funds that were already allocated for public media. The House will vote today.
Call Representative Nick Begich and tell him to vote no.
You can reach his office at: (202) 225-5765
On Thursday, June 12, 2025 the House of Representatives passed the rescissions package that claws back previously approved public media funding. The measure is now with the Senate. If the bill passes in the Senate, nearly all federal funding for KTOO will be cut immediately. The Senate will have until July 18 to act or the measure dies. We have a short window to act.
Here’s why that matters.
Approximately one third of KTOO’s annual operating budget comes directly from CPB grants. In our current fiscal year (2025), KTOO Public Media received 1.2 million dollars, more than 33% of our 3.5 million dollar operating budget for the year. The loss of these funds will have a devastating impact on our ability to deliver KTOO’s public services to Juneau and across the state.
Here’s a part of what this funding makes possible:
- KTOO is the primary point for the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Alert System in Juneau; and public broadcasting is the backbone of the statewide system for all of Alaska.
- Statewide access to the Alaska Legislature, Executive and Judicial branches through Gavel Alaska.
- Free access to local news from Juneau’s largest newsroom with reporters embedded in our community.
- Support of local arts and culture on Juneau Afternoon, KRNN, and KXLL, along with live video from local events like the Alaska Folk Festival, and Celebration, as well as partnerships and collaborations that connect our audiences to creators from all over Alaska.
- Nearly 30 jobs in our community and many more throughout Southeast Alaska who pool our resources to effectively and efficiently deliver services.
Here’s what you can do…
We’re urging you to contact Senators Murkowksi and Sullivan today. Write or call to express your desire to protect the vital services Alaskans rely on.
- Contact Senator Lisa Murkowski or call (202) 224-6665
- Contact Senator Dan Sullivan or call (202) 224-3004
Personal and heartfelt phone calls and/or letters about the role of KTOO and public media in your life will go a long way. If you don’t have time to write personal letter, please go to Protect My Public Media today, enter your contact information and send the templates they have already created.
If you live outside of Alaska, contact your state’s senators and share how your local station, and public media across the country, is essential.
More information about CPB in Alaska and at KTOO in our FAQ here.
Please act now to secure this critical funding for KTOO. Thank you for supporting public media at this important moment.