YOUNGSTOWN A radio station heard across the Mahoning Valley is calling for support after the U.S. Senate and House voted to pass legislation that would cut over $1 billion in public broadcasting funds across the country.

As a result of these cuts, The Summit FM, which broadcasts to 90.7 WKTL-FM from Struthers, has lost $130,000 in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which the station has relied on since 1995.

The Summit's General Manager Tommy Bruno tells 21 News these lost funds account for 10% of the station's annual budget, which is just over $1 million per year, and fund several programs.

"[This funding allows us to] support non-profit events, really showcase local musicians, ... it supports our instrument donation program where we donate instruments to public schools and countless other programs as well," Bruno said.

Bruno says about 45% of The Summit FM's funding comes from individuals who make pledges and donate to the station to become members.

"We've been serving the Valley for about 15 years. One out of every $4 we receive comes from the Mahoning Valley. So it's taken about 15 years to gain the trust that we were going to be around and that we were going to serve the community," Bruno said.

Bruno says The Summit has about 2,000 members currently and he's hopeful and optimistic that members, as well as business underwriters, will step up and help make up those funds.

However, Bruno fears that some public radio stations may not survive thanks to these cuts.

"It truly is a sad day. We need to rally, we need to support these public stations, whatever your favorite station is. And together, I think we can do it," Bruno said.

Information on how to become a member and support The Summit can be found on the station's website.