Current
@current.org
News and opinion about public and nonprofit media in the U.S. https://current.org
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Send tips via Signal to @currentpubmedia.86
Carrying PBS “has become financially unsustainable long term,” a BGSU spokesperson said. current.org/2026/01/wbgu...
WBGU to end PBS affiliation due to federal funding cuts
The Ohio station will be the fourth public media organization to sever ties with PBS.
current.org
January 23, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Carrying PBS “has become financially unsustainable long term,” a BGSU spokesperson said. current.org/2026/01/wbgu...
"We are grateful that the bill provides some funding for the important public safety and education services that public media provides in communities throughout the country,” said Kate Riley, CEO of America's Public Television Stations. current.org/2026/01/hous...
House approves minibus package with NGWS, RTL funding but not broader support
Two separate bills provide funding for the Next Generation Warning System and the Ready To Learn grant program.
current.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:49 PM
"We are grateful that the bill provides some funding for the important public safety and education services that public media provides in communities throughout the country,” said Kate Riley, CEO of America's Public Television Stations. current.org/2026/01/hous...
“A big draw … for any public media station is to be able to showcase your community in ways that not even you could envision,” said Debbie Hamlett, VP and GM of Milwaukee PBS. current.org/2026/01/publ...
Public TV stations lean into local film initiatives
New partnerships bring authentic local stories from emerging talents to broadcast and streaming platforms.
current.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:11 PM
“A big draw … for any public media station is to be able to showcase your community in ways that not even you could envision,” said Debbie Hamlett, VP and GM of Milwaukee PBS. current.org/2026/01/publ...
If you missed our webinar last week about the future of public media, you can now watch the recording. Thank you to our co-producers, NETA and Public Media Innovators! publicmedialearns.instructure.com/courses/237/...
Events: Public Media Innovators PLC
publicmedialearns.instructure.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:51 PM
If you missed our webinar last week about the future of public media, you can now watch the recording. Thank you to our co-producers, NETA and Public Media Innovators! publicmedialearns.instructure.com/courses/237/...
APT Executive Director Wayne Reid said after the meeting Tuesday that financial information from PBS should come to the station soon. (Via @alabamareflector.com) current.org/2026/01/alab...
Alabama Public Television waiting on more information to renew PBS contract
The director of the Alabama Educational Television Commission said Tuesday he is still waiting for financial information from PBS.
current.org
January 21, 2026 at 3:27 PM
APT Executive Director Wayne Reid said after the meeting Tuesday that financial information from PBS should come to the station soon. (Via @alabamareflector.com) current.org/2026/01/alab...
“Utahns are very generous, and private donations to the stations have increased in the last six months,” the statement said. “But it was not enough to close the roughly $3 million gap in revenue across the stations.” current.org/2026/01/pbs-...
PBS Utah, KUER lay off 8 employees
Six staffers were let go at PBS Utah, and two were cut at KUER, according to a statement from Executive Director Maria O’Mara.
current.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:41 PM
“Utahns are very generous, and private donations to the stations have increased in the last six months,” the statement said. “But it was not enough to close the roughly $3 million gap in revenue across the stations.” current.org/2026/01/pbs-...
The organization is left with 24 employees after cutting workers across all departments, according to CEO Hasanna Birdsong. current.org/2026/01/lehi...
Lehigh Valley Public Media cuts nearly half of staff
The Pennsylvania dual licensee has lost more than $1.8 million this fiscal year.
current.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:51 PM
The organization is left with 24 employees after cutting workers across all departments, according to CEO Hasanna Birdsong. current.org/2026/01/lehi...
The lawsuit filed in a Cuyahoga County court alleges that CSU violated state law and the students’ free speech rights when it made the programming switch in October. current.org/2026/01/stud...
Students sue Cleveland State over Ideastream deal to program station
The lawsuit alleges that the university violated students’ free speech rights when it replaced student programming with a 24/7 jazz stream.
current.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The lawsuit filed in a Cuyahoga County court alleges that CSU violated state law and the students’ free speech rights when it made the programming switch in October. current.org/2026/01/stud...
After the loss of federal funding, how can public media position itself for a successful 2026 amid ongoing uncertainty and change? Join us for our next webinar Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Presented with Public Media Innovators. uwmadison.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Innovate with Current: The Future of Public Media (2026). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join Public Media Innovators and Current for our second annual conversation about what the year ahead holds for public media. Suffice to say, 2025 didn’t go the way many of us hoped. So, now what? How...
uwmadison.zoom.us
January 12, 2026 at 7:57 PM
After the loss of federal funding, how can public media position itself for a successful 2026 amid ongoing uncertainty and change? Join us for our next webinar Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Presented with Public Media Innovators. uwmadison.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Current
I curate the history series at public media's trade journal Current. We're looking for pieces on the history of NPR, PBS and its affiliates, with some space to imagine public media's future. We accept academic articles repurposed for wide readership. Plus, we pay. Please circulate!
Rewind: The Roots of Public Media
This series features scholars of media history looking back at both familiar and lesser-known chapters in public broadcasting’s evolution. “Rewind” is presented in partnership with the Radio Preservat...
current.org
January 11, 2026 at 9:42 PM
I curate the history series at public media's trade journal Current. We're looking for pieces on the history of NPR, PBS and its affiliates, with some space to imagine public media's future. We accept academic articles repurposed for wide readership. Plus, we pay. Please circulate!
"NPR’s audience remains older and whiter than the country in general," writes @cchavez4.bsky.social. "Unless the network pivots, it will be further out of touch with the public it purports to serve." current.org/2026/01/opin...
Opinion: Lessons from NPR’s past efforts to reach minority listeners
Rather than working to maintain the status quo, this could be the moment for NPR to reimagine its mission by broadening its listener base beyond an elite few.
current.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM
"NPR’s audience remains older and whiter than the country in general," writes @cchavez4.bsky.social. "Unless the network pivots, it will be further out of touch with the public it purports to serve." current.org/2026/01/opin...
Arkansas TV “acted based on the plain language of the bylaws with the affirmation of PBS’s legal counsel,” said CEO Carlton Wing. current.org/2026/01/arka...
Arkansas TV, PBS dispute accounts of decision to end membership
Correspondence shared with Current reveals conflicting accounts over notice requirements and whether the decision blindsided PBS.
current.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Arkansas TV “acted based on the plain language of the bylaws with the affirmation of PBS’s legal counsel,” said CEO Carlton Wing. current.org/2026/01/arka...
"Disaffiliating from PBS should have been an absolute last resort when all other options had failed." (Via @arkansasadvocate.com) current.org/2026/01/comm...
Opinion: Disaffiliating Arkansas’ public TV network from PBS is an ideological move
Arkansas’ Republican congressional delegation voted to put Arkansas PBS’ head on the chopping block. The network's leaders have now wielded the axe.
current.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:07 PM
"Disaffiliating from PBS should have been an absolute last resort when all other options had failed." (Via @arkansasadvocate.com) current.org/2026/01/comm...
Reposted by Current
Extremely cool that these listening clubs are established voluntarily by Radio Ambulante listeners but supported by the show with guidance for facilitation and an interactive map to help more people plug in current.org/2024/11/how-...
How ‘Radio Ambulante’ is sparking connections with in-person Listening Clubs
Radio Ambulante Studios received funding this year to convene new Listening Clubs focused on issues of importance to Latino voters.
current.org
December 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Extremely cool that these listening clubs are established voluntarily by Radio Ambulante listeners but supported by the show with guidance for facilitation and an interactive map to help more people plug in current.org/2024/11/how-...
Reposted by Current
PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
In letter to commission, PBS expresses hope that Arkansas TV will reverse decision on cutting PBS programming
SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins said PBS was shocked to learn that the Arkansas Educational Television Commission would drop its programming.
current.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:49 PM
PBS says there was no effort by the Arkansas commission to negotiate before voting to end being a PBS member. The national network hopes Arkansas will reconsider.
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
In letter to commission, PBS expresses hope that Arkansas TV will reverse decision on cutting PBS programming
SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins said PBS was shocked to learn that the Arkansas Educational Television Commission would drop its programming.
current.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
“This news came as a shock to us,” wrote PBS SVP of Station Services Susi Elkins. “PBS did not receive any indication from Arkansas TV that this was under consideration.” current.org/2025/12/in-l...
Reposted by Current
Yesterday night I was dissecting with fellow audio lovers the genius sound design behind Jad Abumrad’s new series on Fela Kuti. It offered lessons on how to write around music, which I tried to incorporate in stories like this one, from Syria
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
Old divides in a new Syria
One year after the ousting of the Assad regime, some of the first Syrian revolutionaries return to their homes and try to start their lives again. But new divisions and old animosities still fester.
www.npr.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Yesterday night I was dissecting with fellow audio lovers the genius sound design behind Jad Abumrad’s new series on Fela Kuti. It offered lessons on how to write around music, which I tried to incorporate in stories like this one, from Syria
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/12/n...
“This is the time not to be alone,” said John Lugo, a host on WNHH in New Haven, Conn. “This is the time to build more community, to work together.” current.org/2025/12/how-...
How Spanish-language community stations are navigating immigration crackdowns
As the Trump administration ramps up ICE actions, Spanish-language stations are working with limited resources to inform listeners while staying under the radar.
current.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:49 PM
“This is the time not to be alone,” said John Lugo, a host on WNHH in New Haven, Conn. “This is the time to build more community, to work together.” current.org/2025/12/how-...
Reposted by Current
The Jane Austen Summer Program is mentioned in The Current's article about Jane Austen's 250th birthday! Read here: current.org/2025/12/publ...
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
Public TV celebrates 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth
Propelled in part by numerous ‘Masterpiece’ dramas based on her novels, Austen's popularity shows no signs of abating.
current.org
December 16, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The Jane Austen Summer Program is mentioned in The Current's article about Jane Austen's 250th birthday! Read here: current.org/2025/12/publ...
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
#janeausten #janeaustensummerprogram #Austen250 #janeausten250
“Younger people just keep discovering her, want to watch movies, series and even documentaries about the author behind the novels,” said "Masterpiece" Senior Series Producer Erin Delaney. “That just helps build the following for 'Masterpiece' and other public media.” current.org/2025/12/publ...
Public TV celebrates 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth
Propelled in part by numerous ‘Masterpiece’ dramas based on her novels, Austen's popularity shows no signs of abating.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:31 PM
“Younger people just keep discovering her, want to watch movies, series and even documentaries about the author behind the novels,” said "Masterpiece" Senior Series Producer Erin Delaney. “That just helps build the following for 'Masterpiece' and other public media.” current.org/2025/12/publ...
The new shows will “build on existing editorial strengths of our newsroom and allow us to dive deeper into topics our audiences care about deeply,” said Sara Just, PBS News senior EP and WETA SVP. current.org/2025/12/weta...
WETA rolls out two programs to replace ‘PBS News Weekend’
One program will cover international affairs, and the other will focus on science, technology and health.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 7:24 PM
The new shows will “build on existing editorial strengths of our newsroom and allow us to dive deeper into topics our audiences care about deeply,” said Sara Just, PBS News senior EP and WETA SVP. current.org/2025/12/weta...
Reposted by Current
A true mensch is retiring from public radio. Happy I got to see Danny last month in Philly to help send him off. current.org/2025/12/comi...
Comings and goings: ‘Fresh Air’ co-EP Danny Miller to retire, Houston Public Media appoints station manager …
Danny Miller, co-EP of WHYY's "Fresh Air," is retiring.
current.org
December 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM
A true mensch is retiring from public radio. Happy I got to see Danny last month in Philly to help send him off. current.org/2025/12/comi...
With the WSRE Foundation in control of at least $5 million, Board Chair Amy Day described the lawsuit as focusing on “Whose money is it, and what can we do?” current.org/2025/12/wsre...
WSRE Foundation files lawsuit against college licensee for control of donor funds
The lawsuit may determine not only control of foundation money but also whether PBS programming will continue on the station beyond 2026.
current.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:14 PM
With the WSRE Foundation in control of at least $5 million, Board Chair Amy Day described the lawsuit as focusing on “Whose money is it, and what can we do?” current.org/2025/12/wsre...
Reposted by Current
Vermont Public is having their winter membership drive and offering a very Vermont-appropriate sweepstakes. The winner will receive four snow tires.
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Vermont Public is having their winter membership drive and offering a very Vermont-appropriate sweepstakes. The winner will receive four snow tires.