KENT, Ohio - PBS Western Reserve in Kent will host "State of the Station" events next week to discuss its upcoming initiatives and budget in light of recent federal funding cuts.

The sessions follow congressional approval of President Donald Trump's request to rescind about $9 billion in federal spending, including $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

The House gave final approval to the rescissions package, with a vote of 216-213, sending the bill to the president for his signature. The Senate had previously passed the measure 51-48. The $1.1 billion cut represents the full amount the CPB was set to receive for the next two budget years.

PBS Western Reserve's President and CEO, Natalie Pillsbury, and other staff will lead the discussions, which are open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the station, ask questions, and meet other public media supporters. Light refreshments will be provided.

The "State of the Station" events are scheduled for:

  • Wednesday, July 23, at 2 p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. EDT

Both sessions will be held at PBS Western Reserve, 1750 Campus Center Drive, Kent, Ohio.  Doors for the Thursday evening session will open at 6:15 p.m., with remarks beginning at 6:40 p.m.

Registration is required. To register, visit PBSWesternReserve.org/stateofthestation or call (330) 474-5033

The White House has characterized the public media system as politically biased and an unnecessary expense. The CPB distributes more than two-thirds of its funding to over 1,500 locally operated public television and radio stations, with the remainder supporting national programming through National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

Lawmakers with large rural constituencies have voiced concern over the cuts' potential impact on local public stations, highlighting their role in providing vital community information, including emergency alerts.