This is Not Normal. Help Save Public Media.

  • April 30, 2025
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Dear Listener,
The Trump Administration is expected to demand Congress eliminate federal funding for public media. This is a direct attack on independent journalism and local nonprofit radio stations like KRCL.

Congress is the only thing standing in the way of this threat. If Trump’s “rescission” proposal passes, critical funding that was already approved with bipartisan support by Congress for 2026 and 2027 will be "clawed back" from over 1500 local stations including KRCL. The entire Corporation for Public Broadcasting budget costs each American taxpayer just $1.60 each year. Cuts would result in negligible savings, whereas a well-informed public is so valuable that our Constitution guarantees a free press. Defunding public media in the midst of so much uncertainty is a bad idea.

Here are three ways you can help: 

Contact Congress 

These are the key members of Congress who need to hear from KRCL supporters this week. Calling just takes a moment. Or click the name of your representative to load a pre-drafted email to their staff. Please include your name and address in your emails. And feel free to personalize the message, to increase its impact.

Rep. Blake Moore (R-1) 202-225-0453

Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-2) 202-225-9730

Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) 202-224-5251

If you call, be polite. State that you support ongoing funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. State that you support KRCL (and mention if you also support KUER, KPCW, Utah Public Radio, PBS Utah, or Utah Education Network). If you are a registered Republican, mention that.

If you’re not sure who your House member is, click here to find out.

Donate

Defunding public media would leave a 10% budget gap in KRCL’s plans for 2026 and 2027. In particular Lara Jones’ team on Radioactive is funded in part through restricted funds from CPB. We can ensure KRCL avoids staffing cuts or other negative impacts by making up that deficit locally.

The threat to public media is a part of a bigger goal to destabilize independent journalism, but it impacts music stations like KRCL too. Our programming is at risk, including the diverse range of music we curate, the platform we provide for local bands, the discovery of new sounds you won’t hear anywhere else, and the community we build around a shared love of music.

We know our music community matters to you. Support KRCL with a regular monthly donation at the level that fits your budget, increase your current sustaining gift, or make a one-time gift today in opposition to proposed cuts!

Spread the Word

Forward this email, share KRCL posts on social media, sign up for Protect My Public Media.

Thanks for supporting community radio. Don’t give up!

Gavin Dahl
KRCL Executive Director/General Manager

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