Cuts to impact hundreds of rural and tribal stations
On Wednesday, June 4, the White House asked Congress to claw back previously approved federal funding for public media, threatening the existence of KSUT.
While Congress has 45 days to consider the recession package, the House is expected to act swiftly, with a vote expected this week. If lawmakers fail to approve it — or can’t get the votes to pass it — the funding will be restored.
Federal funding makes up 19% of KSUT’s operating budget. Without it, critical and timely emergency alerts, trusted local journalism and storytelling, and enriching cultural programs that reach 250,000 residents across the Four Corners could be eliminated.
Multiple studies, including a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, have concluded that there is no viable substitute for federal funding. If lost, the impact would be devastating. The stakes have never been higher.
In Colorado’s CD3 alone, 10 community-based community radio stations, including KSUT, would lose critical financial support. Federal funding for public media has enjoyed bipartisan support for the past 48 years because of the critical value that public media provides to communities throughout the United States, especially in rural states.
Three Key Processes
Rescission: A claw back of previously approved funds, must be approved within 45 days of proposal to Congress.
- Threshold: Majority vote in House & Senate
- Key Committees for Public Media: Appropriations Committees, Rules Committee in the House
Reconciliation: To change spending, revenue and/or debt limit, enact priorities in the budget resolution.
- Threshold: Majority vote in House & Senate
- Key Committees for Public Media: House Energy & Commerce Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, Rules Committee in the House
Appropriations: Annual funding process that begins with the release of the President’s budget, must be completed by Sept 30 or else pass a Continuing Resolution.
- Threshold: Majority vote in House; 60-vote threshold in Senate
- Key Committees for Public Media: Appropriations Committees, Rules Committee in the House