Federal funding for public media, including local stations like KAMU, is at risk. However, in this time of change and challenge, our mission will not change. We continue to deliver thoughtful, engaging and educational content to the Brazos Valley, while creating local programming to amplify voices from across the community and training the next generation of media professionals. But we need your help! Learn more about the Protect My Public Media initiative and how you can join the conversation.
How You Can Help
You are a vital part of KAMU’s success! Here’s how you can help.
Contact Congress
Make your voice heard. Reach out to your congressional representatives (or your state representatives) and tell them how much you value public media in your life.
Support Our Work
Every dollar counts. Make a donation to help ensure the continuation of the fact-based journalism, cultural discovery and community-centered programming you love.
Sign a Petition
Add your name to the Protect My Public Media petition to show Congress that you want them to protect access to public media stations like KAMU.
What’s at Stake
Federal funding currently provides about 30% of KAMU’s annual budget. In real terms, that’s nearly $1.2 million a year.
This helps pay for programming, children’s educational content, infrastructure, broadcast technology, emergency alert services and so much more.
Did you know… federal funding for public media costs about $1.60 per person annually?
That accounts for 0.01% of overall federal spending.
We are the only locally-owned television station remaining in our area. For 55 years, we’ve weathered political change and technological transformation with one focus: serving our community. This moment is no different.
Our Local Impact
16
Texas A&M students receive hands-on training for their future media careers.
13
locally-produced programs, from music to politics to public affairs and more.
48
hours of Texas A&M events broadcast and livestreamed each year for the campus community and Aggie Network.
365
days a year that we provide life-saving emergency warnings for our community.
Latest Government Update
On June 3, the White House sent a formal rescission request to pull back public media’s advance funding for FY 2026 and FY 2027. The House narrowly passed the request 214-212 on Thursday, June 12. The request now moves to the Senate. The Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that Congress must act on the rescission request by July 18, 2025.
On May 1, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and local station affiliates.
- On May 30, PBS and one PBS member station filed a lawsuit to challenge the executive order. The lawsuit says the order is a violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment’s protections.
- On May 27, NPR and three NPR member stations filed a lawsuit to challenge the executive order. The lawsuit says the order is a violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of speech and association. Read the full copy of the NPR complaint here.
Our General Manager will provide monthly funding updates in our monthly email newsletter. If you’re not already subscribed, sign up to receive future editions.
KAMU Supporter Testimonials
Your support of KAMU is invaluable for our work. We need and appreciate each one of you! Hear why KAMU matters so much to members of our community in these testimonials.
What We’re Doing
- Planning and Legal Review: We’re coordinating closely with the CPB, PBS, NPR and public media stations nationwide to understand and respond to executive orders and legislative action.
- Advocating for Public Media: We’re actively engaging our state’s congressional delegation to protect rural access, children’s programming and emergency broadcasting.
- Staying Transparent: As we learn more, we’ll keep you informed on this webpage and our email newsletter.
- Diversifying Revenue: We are accelerating initiatives to grow membership, increase philanthropy and build new digital revenue streams so one funding source never again jeopardizes the work we do.
Thank you for standing with us. We love KAMU and we know you do, too!
Have questions or concerns about our future? Please email us and we’ll do our best to provide answers.
