WHQR holding pledge drive to raise money, following federal funding cuts

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Local NPR station, WHQR, kicked off the first day of its 7-day pledge drive on Wednesday.

In July, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-amended Recissions Act, which got rid of all previously approved funding for public broadcasting for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The legislation was the first time public media has been defunded in the nation’s history.

WHQR in Wilmington is one of the stations that used to receive this funding.

Lily Zukerman is the station’s development associate.

She said support from their listeners is critical.

“WHQR is a product of its community,” Zukerman said. “We work to tell the stories of the people here and the people in the surrounding areas. And to provide them with information and cultural engagement and artistic experiences. So it’s good to see that that’s paying off, and people wanting to give back and remain involved and keep that going for themselves.”

About $175,000 or 8.5% of WHQR’s annual budget is now gone due to these cuts.

On the first day of the drive, more than 75 pledges totalling over $12,500 were made.

The drive ends next Tuesday, November 4th.