Message from WTVP CEO regarding CPB Plans to Shut Down 

Dear Members and Viewers,  

As a community licensed station that has for 50 years relied on the structure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to receive important federal support to fund station operations, we are deeply saddened that the CPB is now in a position where they must take steps to shut down.  

At WTVP, we have the highest regard for the CPB’s leadership and staff. The CPB proved to be an incredible partner, diligently working with our team to help us learn and grow from our recent audit, which resulted in WTVP’s being restored to good standing with the CPB. As a result of that restoration to good standing, WTVP received vital CPB funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.  

Since the H.R Rescission Package was passed by Congress in mid-July, we have known that our FY 2026 budget would be impacted by the immediate loss of previously approved federal funds. It is not surprising that the CPB is now faced with taking these historic steps to shut down.  Notably, on July 31, the Senate released their FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which excluded funding for the CPB.  

While we have no plans at WTVP to shut down, we are asking everyone in the community to help WTVP close the financial gap caused by the immediate loss of federal funding to ensure that everyone in central Illinois will continue to have free access to community-driven, locally focused, educational programming for years to come.  

We are relying on the community to meet us in this moment.  We hope that federal funding may still find a way to support local community licensed stations like WTVP.  The CPB’s announcement today underscores the uncertainty of the future of federal funding for public broadcasting stations.  

As previously announced, the WTVP Board of Directors has secured a sizeable challenge grant as part of the We Believe in WTVP Campaign. For FY 2026, when you increase your giving, become a member for the first time, or double your donation, your gift will be matched – up to $300,000.  

We are grateful for all past federal funding, for the extraordinary work and partnership of the CPB, and for the incredible viewers and members in our community who are coming alongside us in this new season.  

Thank you for your support,  

Jenn 

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Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation (WTVP) is a trusted, community-owned public media source that is dedicated to connecting and inspiring central Illinois through quality content that educates, informs, and entertains. For over 50 years, WTVP has broadcast to 17 counties in central Illinois, serving as the region’s premiere (PBS) Public Broadcasting Station affiliate, providing commercial- free quality and educational programming.