PITTSTON, PA - Today, at the formal request of President Trump, the House of Representatives voted 214 to 212 to eliminate $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for public media — including support that stations like WVIA have already been promised and are relying on.
This is a direct and unprecedented attack on public media. It’s no longer just political rhetoric or grandstanding — the threat is here. It’s happening now, and it’s at our front door.
If the Senate passes the bill, the funding will be eliminated immediately and permanently. That means cuts to trusted journalism, local programming, and educational content for the millions of residents in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.
This vote is not just about dollars — it’s about the future of independent, locally-owned and operated public media like WVIA. We need your help right now.
Contact your Senators to vote NO on defunding public media.
The Senate could vote for it at any time.
If the bill fails there, this dangerous proposal dies. But if it passes, the damage will be generational.
Please, call or email your Senators and tell them you value the essential public services that WVIA provides.
WVIA is here for you — and now, we’re asking you to be here for us.
Thank you.
With urgency and gratitude,
Carla McCabe
President & CEO
WVIA