Local NPR Chief Voices Concerns Over Trump’s Funding Cuts for Public Radio

A small public radio station in rural Western North Carolina grapples with low morale as the Trump administration attempts to withdraw federal funding. However, management reassures residents dependent on the local outlet that they do not need to fear closures.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS. Blue Ridge Public Radio, the NPR affiliate in Western North Carolina, receives about $300,000 annually from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Ele Ellis, CEO and general manager of Blue Ridge Public Radio, confirmed that without adequate federal funding, the financial strain would be felt when the new fiscal year starts on October 1.

“We would start to feel it almost as soon as it happens,” Ellis stated in a recent interview.

Ellis emphasized that the station would not be forced to close down. She stated, “I want to be clear that we would not shut down, but I think raising $300,000 a year is a very, very hard thing.”

BPR employs 22 staff members, including eight in the newsroom, all facing uncertainty as public media funding becomes a target for budget cuts. Ellis noted that although employees are committed to their work, the executive order has generated significant concern.

“It’s definitely impacting morale. They know that we have to raise $300,000 that we didn’t before, and that affects people,” she remarked.

Despite the challenges, Ellis highlighted the gratitude expressed by the staff towards their listeners. “I think our staff is incredibly appreciative of our listeners and members, and we are working hard to make sure they know what’s on the table and trying to get their help,” she added, mentioning that their latest fundraising drive performed well.

In reaction to the administration’s actions, other local NPR stations have issued direct appeals for funds. Every year, public stations receive community service grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, distributed twice a year. While funds for 2025 have already been allocated, the funding for fiscal year 2026, commencing on October 1, is still pending.

BPR serves a significant area, encompassing 14 counties in Western North Carolina, including rural regions where residents depend on the radio for both local news and urgent information. During Hurricane Helene last year, the station played a crucial role in offering timely updates amid record rainfall and power outages.

Although BPR predominantly broadcasts NPR content, the station adeptly adapts its programming to meet the immediate needs of its listeners during emergencies. Ellis expressed concern that individuals in urban areas who support public media might not fully grasp the ramifications of funding cuts. These cuts could impact essential emergency alert systems crucial for notifying citizens about natural disasters.

“One of the things that I think people don’t realize about the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is that it’s the backbone of all of that emergency service,” Ellis explained.

She recounted the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, where residents relied on battery-operated radios to access information when the power grid failed.

“During Hurricane Helene, we went live for days. Right now, we continue providing coverage about the relief efforts and aftermath. We’re doing it well and focusing on local needs,” said Ellis.

She expressed her worry that if BPR’s small staff were diverted to fundraising efforts to cover the lost $300,000, they would have diminished resources to focus on quality journalism and sharing vital information with the public.

“That’s why public radio exists… We were the source from where people listened every day to hear about local meetings and where they could get clean water. We provided information about food and aid,” Ellis stated emphatically.

Since taking on her role at BPR in April, after five years at Milwaukee’s NPR, Ellis has noticed that Trump and his supporters often deem NPR too partisan or even “woke”. Nevertheless, she disagrees with this characterization of the station’s reporting.

“I believe it’s not fair to label it liberal. It’s hard because we put in countless hours of coverage, and people might only hear one segment, missing the other perspectives we provide,” Ellis lamented.

Recent reports state that nearly 180 NPR member stations could face closure if government funding is entirely cut off.

According to Ellis, the criticisms directed at NPR often stem from dissatisfaction with national issues, particularly the handling of controversial stories leading up to the 2020 election.

NPR’s current CEO, Katherine Maher, who assumed the position in 2024, acknowledged that her organization missed opportunities to cover significant events adequately. This has led to criticisms from various constituents.

Despite the national conversations surrounding NPR, Ellis insists that local stations are those that will bear the brunt of the cuts.

“When critics finally engage with what local stations do, and I think BPR is a prime example, they see that our reporting is vital to our coverage areas. It’s focused on local concerns rather than the controversies they engage in nationally,” she explained.

Ellis recently wrote an article emphasizing the importance of community support on BPR’s website. She reiterated that the loss of public funding could severely impact many rural stations and the communities they serve.

“Research indicates that the decline of local journalism leads to increased corruption, lower civic engagement, diminished voter turnout, and rising polarization within communities. It erodes the shared identity vital for community life,” she stated.

As the Trump administration pushes for reduced government spending, Ellis noted that local public radio receives less than one dollar per taxpayer annually.

“It’s intriguing that this is framed as a tax issue considering how many other government expenditures are far more costly, while we are discussing ensuring that citizens can stay informed during emergencies,” Ellis remarked.

Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz and Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.