Congress Approves Spending Cuts Targeting Public Media; WXXI Faces $1.9 Million Loss

The U.S. Congress has approved a sweeping package of federal spending cuts that will eliminate more than $1 billion in funding for public broadcasting—a move expected to significantly impact local stations, including WXXI in Rochester.

The bill, part of a broader $9 billion rescission measure backed by former President Donald Trump, passed the Senate on a 51-48 vote Thursday and was approved by the House 216-213 early Friday. The legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

The cuts include approximately $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides critical support to NPR, PBS, and more than 1,500 local affiliates across the country.

WXXI, Rochester’s primary public media station, stands to lose about $1.9 million in CPB funding—roughly 16% of its overall budget and 15% of its annual operating expenses, according to station officials.

In an article by Beth Adams, published prior to the House vote, WXXI President and CEO Chris Hastings said he was hopeful that Congress would reach a compromise. That hope faded as the House approved the measure early Friday morning.

“WXXI is working to sustain services, but behind-the-scenes cuts and staffing changes may be necessary,” Hastings said in a statement. “Federal support plays a crucial role in maintaining our local journalism, cultural programs, and educational content.”

The funding cut threatens to disrupt services provided by many public broadcasters, especially in smaller or rural markets that rely more heavily on federal dollars. WXXI uses CPB funding to support a wide range of programming, including trusted local news coverage, children’s educational shows, and emergency alerts.

The move has drawn criticism from public media advocates and lawmakers who say the cuts will weaken public service broadcasting and reduce access to reliable information and community-based content.

“Public media is an essential service, not a luxury,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in a floor speech opposing the cuts. “This decision will leave a vacuum in places where local news is already disappearing.”

Supporters of the bill argue it reins in what they describe as “unnecessary federal subsidies.” House Republicans said the rescissions are part of a broader effort to reduce the deficit and limit the size of government.

The decision has also reignited public support campaigns for public media. A 1969 clip of Fred Rogers advocating for PBS funding went viral again this week, as supporters rallied online to highlight the impact of the cuts.

Local stations like WXXI are expected to step up fundraising efforts and seek alternative funding sources, but leaders warn that private support may not fully offset the loss.

In addition to WXXI and its affiliates, other Rochester-area stations are expected to be affected. WGMC (Jazz 90.1 FM in Greece) and WRUR-FM (88.5 FM “The Route,” operated by the University of Rochester in partnership with WXXI) could face direct or indirect impacts as CPB funding disappears.

The CPB and its affiliated stations are calling on Congress to revisit the funding issue in future budget negotiations and are urging supporters to contact their representatives.