Federal Funding FAQs

How CPB funding supports WTIP

What is CPB?

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. CPB does not produce programming. Instead, funding is distributed directly to local stations, allowing them to tailor programming to best serve their communities. 

What we know: 

• The White House is planning to send a memo asking Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 
• Congress has 45 days to act on the proposal from the day they receive the memo. If lawmakers fail to approve it, the funding will be restored.
• If the proposal is approved, WTIP stands to lose approximately $170,000 of our 2025 budget and $238,000, or 25% of our 2026 budget.
• While the impact would be nationwide, it would hit rural areas like ours the hardest—where access to local news, music, and emergency alerts are limited.

What are the key things I should know about federal funding from CPB?

• Public media serves 99% of the U.S. population and millions of Americans daily.
• Funding for public media accounts for just 0.01% of the federal budget and amounts to about $1.60 per person.  
• Each station is locally managed and invests federal funding in programs and services tailored to its community.
• CPB funding allows public media stations to pool resources towards satellite interconnection, emergency alert systems, music licensing and development of educational programs, all of which would be too expensive for stations to do on their own.

The Critical Role of Federal Funding

Many listeners may assume WTIP is part of Minnesota Public Radio but we are an independent station and do not receive any funding from them.

Breakdown of WTIP’s Funding Sources:

• Individual Donations: 29% 
• Underwriters: 11% 
• Grants: 56% (25% from CPB)
• Other: 4%

How You Can Support WTIP and Public Media

Your voice and support can make a difference. To ensure the future of public media, you can:

• Spread the Word: Follow WTIP on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter, and encourage friends and family to support us.
• Donate to WTIP: If you’re already a member, thank you. If you’re not, now is a great time to renew or increase your support.
• Advocate for Public Broadcasting: Stay informed and urge Congress to save CPB Funding at Protect My Public Media.org