Rochester, N.Y., officials, WXXI push back against Trump administration order targeting public media

Local officials and public media leaders in Rochester are speaking out against an executive order from the Trump administration that seeks to rescind federal funding for public broadcasting, calling it a threat to journalism, education and community service.

The order, issued May 2, directs the federal government to block future funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR, PBS and local affiliates such as WXXI in Rochester.

WXXI Public Media said Friday it remains fully operational and committed to its mission despite the announcement. The station, which has served the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region for nearly 60 years, reassured the public that current operations and programming will not be affected in the short term.

“While we are disappointed by the president’s decision to issue an executive order aimed at defunding public media, our mission at WXXI remains unchanged,” said Christopher Hastings, president and CEO of WXXI. “We are here to serve Rochester — with trusted journalism, educational programming and cultural storytelling — and we will continue to do so without interruption. This moment calls for resolve, not retreat.”

WXXI encouraged community members to voice their support and continue engaging with public media. The station said it is reviewing the details of the order with national partners and will provide updates as needed.

Local leaders, including Mayor Malik Evans, said the executive order undermines a longstanding institution that benefits residents across socioeconomic and geographic lines.

“WXXI and public media are not just entertainment — they are a public service,” Evans said in a statement. “This is a reckless and ideological attempt to silence voices that commercial media often ignores.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said public media is a crucial lifeline, especially for rural communities and families without access to broadband or subscription-based platforms.

“For many of our residents, public broadcasting is the most reliable — and sometimes the only — source of educational and cultural content,” Bello said.

At the state level, Gov. Kathy Hochul denounced the order and said New York would explore options to support local stations if federal support is cut.

“We will not stand by while the federal government tries to gut one of the few remaining institutions that places facts and public interest over profit,” Hochul said.

State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, said the administration’s effort amounts to “censorship in disguise.”

“Stations like WXXI play a vital role in keeping government transparent and communities connected,” he said.

Assemblymember Sarah Clark, D-136th District, said she plans to introduce a resolution in the State Assembly urging Congress to block the funding cuts.

Parents and educators expressed concern over the potential impact of reduced public media funding on children’s programming and classroom resources.

“PBS Kids helped my kids learn letters, numbers and empathy,” said Marisol Ramirez, a Rochester City School District parent. “That’s not just TV — it’s essential support for working families.”

WXXI provides educational programs, emergency communication and local journalism in English and Spanish, reaching thousands across upstate New York. Federal funding accounts for roughly 10% of its operating budget, according to station officials.

Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., whose district includes Rochester, criticized the order and vowed to oppose it in Congress.

“Public broadcasting strengthens our democracy,” Morelle said. “I will fight tooth and nail to ensure WXXI and stations like it continue to inform, educate and uplift.”

Although the executive order does not take immediate effect, public media advocates say it poses a serious risk to the financial stability of non-commercial broadcasters across the country.

WXXI said it will continue monitoring developments in Washington and keep the public informed.