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Nevada Senator Slams Trump Management’s Plan to Cut Public Broadcasting Funds

Reno, NV – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has voiced strong opposition to a proposal from the Trump administration that would rescind funding for public broadcasting stations and radio stations, arguing the move would considerably harm Nevadans, especially those in rural communities, and usurp Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending.

The Senator told the Reno Gazette Journal that her objections stem from two critical concerns. Firstly, the potential impact on public access to vital information and services in areas where private media options are scarce. Secondly, she criticizes the administration for encroaching on Congress’s role in determining federal budgetary priorities.

“So many rural Nevadans rely on these stations for information, for educational programming, for emergency alerts and just for the connectivity of Nevadans,” Cortez Masto stated, highlighting the critical role public broadcasting plays.

She recalled a recent instance during the Davis Fire near Reno last year, where a CBS affiliate’s transmitter went offline. “It was our local PBS station there that was able to use thier transmitter and broadcast that local news for the CBS station,” she explained. “That was significant because we needed to get word out to Nevadans about what was happening with the fire, ensuring that we were keeping them safe. That’s just one piece of what they do.”

Cortez Masto pointed out that the recission of funding is originating from the Trump administration. She noted that President Donald Trump had previously attempted to cut public broadcast funds during his first term. However,at that time,Republicans in Congress successfully blocked the move.

“At that time,” she recalled, “the republicans working with the Democrats said, ‘No, this is our role. You stay out of it. We make this decision.’ Sadly, this time the Republicans do not have the backbone to stand up and do their job.”

The Senator emphasized that decisions regarding the allocation of federal funds should remain with the legislative branch. “It is our role and we have decided that this funding is essential for our local community,” she asserted. “The Republicans, unfortunately, are allowing the president to play politics with people’s lives in our urban and rural areas.”

Simultaneously occurring, Representative Mark Amodei’s office indicated that the Northern Nevada Republican would offer comment following the House’s vote on the recission package. Amodei has a history of supporting public broadcasting funding and was one of only four Republicans to vote against the House version of the bill in June.

In a joint statement last month with new York Rep. Dan Goldman, Amodei remarked, “We see firsthand the valuable role public media plays across our districts, particularly in rural areas where, in many cases, it is the only available and reliable media service available. Rural broadcasters face significant challenges in raising private funds, making them particularly vulnerable if government funding is cut.”

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how might the 35% budget cut to Nevada Public Media, as outlined in SB445, disproportionately affect access to vital information for underserved communities within the state?

Nevada Public Media Faces Massive Budget Cuts Following Senate Vote

The Impact of SB445: A Deep Dive into Nevada’s Public Broadcasting Crisis

On July 17th, 2025, the Nevada State Senate passed senate Bill 445 (SB445), triggering significant and possibly devastating budget cuts to Nevada Public Media (NPM).This vote has sent shockwaves through the state’s broadcasting landscape, raising concerns about the future of public television and radio services for Nevadans. The cuts, totaling approximately 35% of NPM’s state funding, are slated to take effect instantly, impacting programming, staffing, and community outreach initiatives. This article examines the details of SB445, the reasons behind the cuts, and the potential consequences for Nevada’s public media ecosystem. We’ll also explore potential avenues for mitigation and support.

Understanding SB445 and the funding Reduction

SB445, initially presented as a measure to address a state budget shortfall, underwent significant amendments during the legislative process. While proponents argue the cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility, critics contend they disproportionately impact essential public services.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the funding reduction:

Total Reduction: $4.2 million annually, representing roughly 35% of NPM’s state funding.

Allocation Impact: Cuts affect funding for both television (NPTV) and radio (News Nevada) services.

Justification: Supporters cite declining viewership/listenership and the availability of alternative news sources as justification.

Opposition arguments: Opponents emphasize the vital role of public media in providing educational programming, local news coverage, and emergency information, particularly in rural areas.

The bill’s passage followed a contentious debate, with public media advocates rallying against the proposed cuts. However, a narrow party-line vote ultimately secured its approval.

Programming and Service Impacts: What Will Be Affected?

The 35% budget reduction will necessitate significant changes to NPM’s programming and service offerings. NPM officials have already announced several immediate measures, including:

Reduced Programming Hours: Expect a decrease in locally produced content, particularly in areas like arts, culture, and public affairs.

Staff layoffs: Approximately 20% of NPM staff are expected to be laid off, impacting news gathering, production, and administrative roles.

Cancellation of Community Outreach Programs: Educational workshops, community events, and partnerships with local schools will likely be scaled back or eliminated.

Potential Loss of Key Services: The future of news Nevada’s statewide radio news service is uncertain, with potential for reduced coverage or even complete discontinuation.

Impact on Children’s Programming: Funding for children’s educational programs, such as PBS Kids, is at risk, potentially limiting access to vital learning resources.

Local News and Information: NPM provides in-depth coverage of state and local issues, often filling gaps left by commercial media outlets.

Educational Programming: NPTV offers a wide range of educational programs for children and adults, supporting lifelong learning.

Emergency Communications: NPM serves as a vital source of information during emergencies, providing critical updates and safety instructions.

Cultural Preservation: NPM showcases Nevada’s unique cultural heritage through locally produced documentaries and arts programming.

Civic Engagement: NPM hosts public forums and debates,fostering informed civic engagement and dialogue.

The loss of these services will have a significant impact on the quality of life for Nevadans.

Alternative Funding Models and Community Support

While the budget cuts are a serious blow,NPM is exploring alternative funding models and seeking community support to mitigate the damage. Potential strategies include:

Increased Fundraising Efforts: NPM is launching a major fundraising campaign to solicit donations from individuals and businesses.

Grant Applications: The organization is actively pursuing grants from foundations and government agencies.

Corporate Sponsorships: NPM is seeking increased corporate sponsorships to offset lost state funding.

Membership Drives: Encouraging more nevadans to become members of NPM is a key priority.

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