Indianapolis, IN — April 24, 2025 – Late last night, Indiana’s newly released two-year state budget proposal excluded $3.675 million in annual funding for Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS), a critical investment that has long supported the essential services provided by public television and radio stations across the state.
Seventeen public broadcasting stations—serving 95% of Hoosiers—deliver trusted journalism, lifelong learning, and vital public safety information, free of charge to Indiana residents. This funding rollback jeopardizes the ability of these stations to continue delivering these services at the scale and quality Hoosiers expect and rely on.
“This is not just a line item cut,” said Mark Newman, Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc. “This decision has real consequences for our ability to provide timely local news, life-saving emergency alerts, and proven educational content that supports children, families, and seniors across Indiana.”
State support comprises a significant portion of the operating budgets for local stations. The loss of these funds could force stations to either secure alternative sources of revenue or make difficult reductions to programming and services. The impact would be felt in urban and rural communities alike.
What This Means for Hoosiers:
- Reduced access to local, trusted journalism
- Potential loss of critical public safety and emergency alert services
- Fewer educational resources for children and families
- Decreased stability for local public media stations
Key Facts:
- Public broadcasting stations serve 95% of Indiana residents.
- State funding is a vital piece of local stations’ operating budgets.
- These cuts threaten essential community services, especially in underserved areas.
Indiana residents are urged to contact their state representatives to express their support for restoring public media funding. To find your legislator, go here.