Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 4, 2025
News Summary
WKU Public Media has laid off eight staff members, a significant reduction of one-third of its workforce, due to major federal funding cuts. This reduction follows the signing of the Rescissions Act of 2025, resulting in a $1.2 million loss in funding. The emotional impact has been grave on the remaining staff as the organization faces a financial crisis. WKU Public Media has started an emergency fundraising initiative to secure $500,000, as it prepares to alter its programming to cope with the funding challenges ahead.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – WKU Public Media has laid off eight staff members, which represents one-third of its total workforce. The cuts, including six full-time positions and two part-time positions, were effective October 1, 2025, and were prompted by significant federal funding cuts following President Donald Trump’s signing of the Rescissions Act of 2025. This act revoked $1 billion from public broadcasting, resulting in WKU Public Media losing $1.2 million, which equates to one-third of its funding.
The emotional toll from these layoffs has been profound among the remaining staff, with interim executive director Jordan Basham describing feelings of “rage” among the team. The loss of such a large portion of the staff will undoubtedly impact WKU’s day-to-day operations, and the organization is now facing a critical financial situation. WKU Public Media is anticipated to save approximately $400,000 from these layoffs, but despite this reduction, the organization is still $800,000 short of its previous funding levels.
The recent cuts represent the most significant loss of support for public media in decades. WKU Public Media’s funding deficit has been exacerbated by the elimination of support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If alternative funding is not secured, over 50 additional employees are at risk of losing their jobs, indicating that the financial ramifications will likely extend beyond the recent layoffs.
In response to this situation, WKU Public Media has initiated an emergency fundraising drive aiming to raise $500,000. The drive includes plans for a community matching grant and encourages community members to become members or donate to support WKU Public Radio. This outreach is critical as WKU Public Radio will need to adjust its programming due to funding limitations, including a replacement of BBC World News programming with The Daily and Marketplace starting October 1, 2025.
WKU Public Media has been an integral part of the Bowling Green community for nearly 45 years, providing vital educational programming and emergency services. Despite the cuts and the ensuing sadness, Basham expressed hope that WKU Public Media would continue to inform and engage the community as this public resource navigates uncertain financial waters.
The funding cuts have raised concerns about the future of public media and independent journalism across the nation, highlighting the fragile nature of such services that many communities rely on for information and education.
Key Details
- Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Staff Laid Off: Eight members, including producers, managers, and reporters
- Total Workforce Reduction: One-third of WKU Public Media staff
- Funding Lost: $1.2 million, one-third of total funding
- Emergency Fundraising Goal: $500,000
- New Programming as of October 1, 2025: The Daily and Marketplace replacing BBC World News
Background Context
The recent layoffs at WKU Public Media stem from a broader trend of funding cuts impacting public broadcasting due to federal legislation. The Rescissions Act of 2025 has set a precedent for financial instability within this sector, raising alarms about the sustainability of public media nationwide. The loss of staff not only diminishes the organization’s capacity to operate but also threatens the quality and quantity of content provided to the local community.
FAQ
What prompted the layoffs at WKU Public Media?
The layoffs were prompted by President Donald Trump’s signing of the Rescissions Act of 2025, which revoked $1 billion from public broadcasting.
How many staff members were laid off?
WKU Public Media laid off eight staff members, including producers, managers, and reporter positions.
What is the financial outlook for WKU Public Media?
WKU Public Media is still $800,000 short of previous funding levels even after the layoffs, indicating a critical financial situation.
What is the emergency fundraising goal for WKU Public Media?
An emergency fundraising drive has been initiated to raise $500,000.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Staff Laid Off | Eight members |
| Total Workforce Reduction | One-third of WKU Public Media staff |
| Funding Lost | $1.2 million |
| Emergency Fundraising Goal | $500,000 |
| New Programming | The Daily and Marketplace |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Advocates Rally to Protect Education Funding in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: WKU Public Media Layoffs
- WBKO: WKU Public Media Lays Off Staff
- WNKY: WKU Public Media Cuts Staff
- BG Daily News: WKU Public Media Seeks Support
- Wikipedia: Public Broadcasting
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
