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WOSU Statement On Rescission Request To Eliminate Federal Funding For Public Media

Dear Friends,

A viewer once told us, “I thought I knew my neighborhood, but this [Columbus Neighborhoods episode] made me realize how much I’d taken for granted. It changed how I walk my own street.” 

That’s the power of public media. It doesn’t just inform us — it transforms how we see the world around us. And it happens every day, right here at WOSU. 

Like the morning a young neurodiverse child hesitantly stepped into IMMERSE, our sensory-friendly concert experience. The space was quiet, welcoming. The music gentle and playful. And by the end of the program, that child — once withdrawn — left grinning ear to ear, having experienced the joy of live music for the first time. 

Or like Michelle Kulewicz, a school librarian in Columbus City Schools, who found new purpose as a WOSU Ambassador.  “This program has allowed me to use my gifts and talents to connect with families,” she said. “I feel part of something bigger.” 

These aren’t isolated moments. They are part of a larger story — a shared belief that everyone deserves access to education, reliable information, and stories that reflect the richness of our communities.  

But today, this access is at risk.  

A federal proposal threatens to eliminate funding for public media — funding that directly supports local stations like WOSU. Without it, our ability to serve every classroom, every neighborhood, and every listener is at risk. 

And yet, even in the face of this challenge, one thing remains unwavering:  WOSU is — and always will be — committed to access for all.  

We are committed to the 17,500+ students and families served by WOSU Classroom. 
We are committed to caregivers navigating challenges through INSIDE: Caregiving. 
We are committed to the neighbors who turn to us — not just for information, but for connection, understanding, and hope. 

Public media is more than programming - it’s a partnership. Thank you for believing that every learner, every voice, and every story deserves to be heard and thank you for standing with us. 

See more of the impact you help make possible in WOSU’s 2024 Community Report.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Anthony Padgett
Rieland Endowed General Manager
WOSU Public Media

WOSU Statement On Executive Order Regarding NPR and PBS Funding

WOSU Public Media remains steadfast in our mission to serve the Central Ohio community with trusted journalism, lifelong learning, cultural programming, and meaningful local storytelling. As a locally owned and operated media organization, we are deeply rooted in this community and exist to meet the evolving needs of our audiences.

The recent executive order to eliminate federal funding for PBS and NPR through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), could present a serious challenge to that mission. Eliminating this funding for PBS and NPR could devastate the local-national partnerships that enable WOSU to bring trusted journalism, children’s programming, and educational resources to our community.

We know that for many, WOSU is more than just a media source — we are your public media: an essential, trusted presence you rely on and value deeply. WOSU is committed to telling local stories, amplifying community voices, and providing fact-based news coverage to empower our citizenship.

WOSU has been a valued public service to Central Ohio for over a century. Our focus remains on serving our community with integrity, creativity, and care, and we will continue advocating for the support needed to fulfill that commitment.