WHQR details risks of proposed public media cuts

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — WHQR Public Radio says it could lose a portion of its budget if Congress approves a proposed federal funding cut.

The Trump administration has submitted a plan to rescind $1.1 billion in public media funding over the next two years. That includes money already approved by Congress for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

WHQR Station Manager Kevin Crane said the Wilmington-based station stands to lose about 8.5% of its annual budget, or roughly $174,000 a year, starting as early as July 1.

Crane said his biggest concern isn’t just the local budget loss.

“This funding supports the satellite system that connects public radio stations across the country,” he said. “In times of emergency, radio is all we have.”

He warned that losing stations in rural areas could leave some communities without reliable emergency alerts.

“If we cut funding and some of these rural stations close, they are not going to have that emergency alerting,” Crane said. “There is going to have to be something put in place, and that’s going to cost money. I think if you had to create the system we have in place now with federal funding, it would cost more than they are devoting to federal funding now.”

Crane shared those comments in a recent newsletter to WHQR listeners. He also included a link to help people contact their congressional representatives.

Crane said public input could play an important role as lawmakers consider the proposal.