WHQR responds to loss of federal funding

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A bill heading to President Donald Trump would rescind $9 billion in previously approved federal spending. That includes more than $1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

WHQR, a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate in Wilmington, could be affected by the cut.

WHQR Station Manager Kevin Crane says the reduction comes just months after the funds were approved.

“They approved the money just back in March and they cut the money last night, took it back,” Crane said.

Crane says about 8.5% of WHQR’s annual budget comes from federal sources. He says the funds are typically planned and allocated in advance.

“This was money that was approved for the next two years… which is how Congress has historically done public media funding to keep it out of the political sphere,” he said.

Last year, WHQR received a $174,000 Community Service Grant from CPB.

Crane says WHQR will be able to adjust. But he’s concerned about smaller or rural stations that rely more heavily on federal support.

“Some of these places the only source of national and local news is going to be local public radio stations, so when they close their doors or scale back their local coverage and maybe just drop back to NPR — well, that’s not going to be good. In a news desert, bad things can happen.”

Crane also pointed to the role of public radio in emergency situations.

“Because in times of emergency you can’t hand crank your TV, your cell phone might not work, but radios do work. There are hand crank radios… sometimes that’s the only way to get the information.”

He says if smaller stations are forced to close, other stations may need to take on more responsibilities. That could include covering additional regions or paying for shared services, like music licensing.

WHQR plans to open its pledge phones Wednesday through Friday next week. The station is seeking volunteers to help answer calls.