WOUB Public Media responds to state and federal funding cuts, seeks additional contributions to support experiential learning opportunities

WOUB Public Media, a unit of Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication and home to public television and radio stations serving 55 counties in four states, has begun streamlining operations in response to state and federal funding reductions.

In July, the U.S. Congress voted to rescind $1 billion in previously-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Those funds have historically supported operations at member stations across the country, including providing $1.5 million in annual funding to WOUB. In addition, the state of Ohio’s biennium budget bill, approved in late June, included a reduction in funding for all of the state’s public media organizations. WOUB will lose an additional approximately $250,000 in the 2026 fiscal year as a result.

In total, the reductions represent nearly 30% of WOUB’s annual operating budget. Another approximately 45% of the operating budget is supported by Ohio University or through an Ohio University Foundation quasi-endowment. Member donations and underwriting represent approximately 15-20% of WOUB’s operational budget.

WOUB and Ohio University leadership are currently evaluating ways to streamline operations and reduce costs while protecting the experiences provided to students through WOUB as well as the services provided to the greater community. Due to this significant loss in revenue, WOUB will take immediate measures to ensure long-term sustainability.

“As part of this, significant operational changes will be necessary,” said WOUB General Manager Mark Brewer. “These decisions will be difficult, but they are unavoidable in order to align resources with current financial realities.”

In the coming weeks, OHIO and WOUB will expand fundraising efforts to preserve experiential learning offered through the public broadcast stations.

“Through WOUB, our students have the opportunity to earn real career experience in broadcast media, which often differentiates them from their competition in their post-graduation job search,” said Scott Titsworth, dean of the Scripps College of Communication. “We’re looking for every way to protect these experiences even as we’re forced to find operational efficiencies.”

To make a gift through the Ohio University Foundation to support the station’s ongoing operations and the student experiential learning opportunities offered by WOUB, go to give.ohio.edu/woub or contact Senior Director of Development Cheri Russo at russoc@ohio.edu.

"It's important to note that WOUB has seen a meaningful rise in donations from viewers and listeners—demonstrating the strong commitment of our supporters," Brewer said. "Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference. "