Access To Public Media Is A Right

WOSU Public Media Calls on Community to Secure Future After U.S. Congress Votes to Rescind Funding

Columbus, OH (July 18, 2025) — Anthony Padgett, Rieland Endowed General Manager of WOSU Public Media, made the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives vote to approve H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, defunding public media.

“Last night’s decision by Congress to eliminate CPB funding is a significant loss both locally at WOSU and for the greater public media system, which includes over 160 locally operated public TV stations and 1,000 public radio stations. Public media provides essential services and has long been a sound federal investment—just $1.60 per person annually, less than 0.01% of the federal budget.

“This funding has long supported WOSU’s mission: ensuring that every classroom, every neighborhood, and every listener in Central Ohio has access to trusted journalism, educational resources, and stories that reflect our shared community.

“As of October 1, 2025, WOSU will no longer receive support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As WOSU’s only direct source of federal funding, this amounts to approximately $2 million,, which is 13% of our operating budget. The impact to WOSU is compounded by the State of Ohio’s recent decision to eliminate vital educational and public broadcasting funding from the state budget which will further decrease WOSU's budget nearly $400,000.

“While we assess the full impact, our commitment remains unchanged: to serve our community with integrity, creativity, and care. We believe access to quality information and education is a right that must be preserved.

“With federal support eliminated, the responsibility of sustaining WOSU now rests with our community. More than ever, we need the community’s help to secure WOSU’s future.”