Federal Funding FAQ

Federal funding, primarily through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), ensures that public media remains accessible to all, including communities in Yuma and La Paz Counties. This support enables KAWC to provide trusted journalism, emergency alerts, educational programming, and cultural content that reflects the diverse voices of our region.

The CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation established by Congress in 1967. It serves as the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting, distributing funds to over 1,500 local public radio and television stations. CPB does not produce programming or own stations; instead, it supports local stations like KAWC to serve their communities effectively.

In the current fiscal year, KAWC receives $207,360 from CPB, accounting for approximately 22% of our overall budget. These funds are crucial for maintaining our broadcasting infrastructure, supporting the emergency alert system, and producing local journalism. The remaining 78% of our funding comes from Arizona Western College, listener contributions, foundations, business sponsorships, and other revenue sources.

Loss of federal funding would significantly affect our ability to serve the community. It could lead to reductions in local programming, emergency alert capabilities, and community outreach initiatives. Smaller, rural stations like KAWC rely heavily on CPB funds to sustain operations and provide essential services to underserved areas.

We are proactively diversifying our revenue streams by:

• Expanding individual giving and membership programs
• Increasing business sponsorships and foundation support
• Investing in digital fundraising and audience engagement
• Advocating with elected officials about the importance of federal support for rural media

On May 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media, directing the CPB to prohibit federal funding to NPR and PBS. While the legal authority of this order is being evaluated, it introduces uncertainty about how federal support for public media may be impacted. CPB has responded by reaffirming its status as a private, nonprofit corporation established by Congress, emphasizing that it is not subject to executive authority. Legal challenges and clarifications are expected, and we will continue to monitor the situation and update this page as developments occur.

• Stay informed: Visit this page regularly for updates.
• Make your voice heard: Contact your congressional representatives or visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org to share your support for public media.
• Donate: Your contribution—large or small—directly supports our ability to deliver independent, local journalism and programming.

Please contact us directly at info@kawc.org or call (928) 344-7690. We are committed to transparency and keeping our community informed as this situation evolves.