BEMIDJI — Lakeland PBS is facing a severe financial crisis after Congress clawed back funding for public media.
The station said in a Wednesday, Aug. 6, news release that the move eliminated $1 million of its annual funding, 37% of its operating budget.
"Critical resources" are not at risk, the station wrote, including its local journalism, PBS KIDS content, emergency alerts and its ability to stay on air.
Congress narrowly approved President Donald Trump's request to rescind previously allocated funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) last month. The CPB funded mostly local public radio and television stations, like Lakeland PBS and KAXE. A smaller portion was also given to NPR and PBS, which Trump and other Republicans accused of biased journalism.
Lakeland PBS is a locally owned and operated nonprofit and PBS affiliate. It began in 1980 and broadcasts to much of Northern Minnesota from its studios in Bemidji and Brainerd.
"This is a very difficult moment for Lakeland PBS and the communities we serve," said Jeff Hanks, president and CEO, in the release.
"While this is a profound challenge, our mission remains unchanged. We are absolutely determined to fight for our future, and we are counting on the unwavering support of the people who have relied on us for decades.
"The work is just beginning, and we can't make it through this alone."
It made national news earlier this year when it joined PBS in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over defunding.
Lakeland PBS said it is not closing, but significant changes are inevitable without "swift and collective action."
It urged the community to stay informed, contact legislators in support of public media and make a donation to support the station.
"This urgent threat is also an opportunity," the station said, "for the community to rally and demonstrate the value it places on independent, nonprofit broadcasting."
