West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is working to adapt after facing significant financial challenges, including a 10.7% reduction in state funding and potential threats to federal support. Already adjusting to reduced general revenue allocations for the 2026 fiscal year, WVPB may soon experience additional pressure due to a new executive order signed by former President Donald Trump.
The order, titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media,” calls on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop all direct and indirect funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Trump argued that in today’s media-rich environment, federal funding for public broadcasting is unnecessary and claims NPR and PBS demonstrate political bias favoring liberal viewpoints.
According to the executive order, taxpayer-funded media support is outdated and could potentially compromise the perception of journalistic independence. While the order targets NPR and PBS specifically, it leaves a gray area regarding how funds may still reach local broadcasters like WVPB.
CPB receives more than $500 million annually from Congress to support public broadcasting. While NPR directly receives only about 1% of its funding from the federal government, its affiliate stations—such as WVPB—depend much more heavily on CPB support. In fiscal year 2024, WVPB received $1.9 million in federal funds, which accounted for 18.8% of its total $10.2 million budget.
In response to the changing funding landscape, West Virginia’s Department of Tourism and WVPB leadership are closely evaluating how to maintain operations. Cabinet Secretary Chelsea Ruby acknowledged the potential impact and commended WVPB for proactively cutting overhead costs and diversifying its funding streams.
WVPB currently relies on a mix of funding sources: 44.5% from private donations and grants, 36.7% from the state’s general revenue, and the rest from federal sources. The most recent state budget, approved by lawmakers and signed by Governor Patrick Morrisey, reduced WVPB’s general revenue funding from $4.3 million to $3.9 million. The biggest cuts were in personnel and benefits, down from $3.5 million to $3.1 million.
Ruby assured the public that these changes would not result in staff layoffs. Instead, WVPB will eliminate a vacant position and shift some salaries to be covered by privately raised funds. Additionally, WVPB plans to sell an unused production facility in Morgantown to further reduce costs.
Efforts to secure alternative funding have already shown results. WVPB recently received three new grants, including a $650,000 multi-state CPB grant supporting Appalachian programs, a $50,000 education initiative grant, and a $10,000 grant for digitization. These contributions reflect the organization’s ongoing push to lessen its reliance on state and federal funding.
WVPB also wrapped up a successful fundraising campaign during the nationwide Public Media Giving Days, held from May 1 to May 2.
Currently, WVPB operates under the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Commission, a state agency within the Department of Tourism. The broadcaster is also supported by two nonprofit organizations that handle major donations and membership drives. During the 2025 legislative session, the state government transferred oversight of the Educational Broadcasting Commission from the Department of Arts, Culture and History to the Department of Tourism.
WVPB serves nearly 600,000 monthly TV viewers and more than 80,000 weekly radio listeners across the state. It provides educational programs, award-winning journalism, and emergency communication services. Notable programs include Mountain Stage, Inside Appalachia, and The Legislature Today.
The executive order’s legality is already being questioned. CPB President Patricia Harrison emphasized the organization’s independence, saying CPB is a nonprofit established by Congress and not subject to presidential authority. A pending court case may further challenge the order’s attempt to cut funding to public broadcasting networks.
As WVPB navigates uncertain waters, the organization’s leadership remains focused on maintaining its mission to educate, inform, and serve West Virginians through diverse and accessible media.
