FAQ: CPB Funding Cuts and KHOL
Are you going off the air?
No. We’re not going anywhere!
What is happening with funding for KHOL?
In July 2025 Congress approved a White House rescission request that clawed back funding previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As a result, KHOL is losing 25% of our annual funding — nearly $200,000.
What is CPB, and why does it matter for KHOL?
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a nonprofit created by Congress in 1967 to fund and support public media in the U.S. (including NPR and PBS).
CPB distributes grants to qualifying stations to help ensure that communities of all sizes—especially rural ones—have access to public service journalism and cultural programming. For small stations like KHOL, this support is often critical.
It took KHOL 12 years to qualify for a CPB grant—awarded to our small station for the first time in 2022. This funding has been essential in building out our newsroom and expanding our service to the community.
How will this loss of funding affect your programming?
Losing CPB support puts significant pressure on KHOL’s budget.
We don’t want to cut back. Listener and community support will play a major role in determining our path forward – and hopefully avoid staffing or programming cuts.
Our goal is to stay independent, responsive and relevant—even under new financial realities.
KHOL remains the only radio newsroom covering Teton County — and one of only two public radio stations across the entire state of Wyoming.
Did KHOL do something wrong to lose this funding?
No. This cut has nothing to do with KHOL’s performance or compliance. The funding was rescinded by Congress as part of a broader rollback of previously approved federal spending.
Could CPB funding come back?
We do not anticipate a return of federal funding.
Is this cut part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?
No. This vote is entirely separate from the legislation passed on July 4, 2025.
This cut also impacts other institutions, including USAID and the State Department.
Is public media left-leaning?
Public media is built on a foundation of nonpartisan, fact-based journalism.
Our newsroom reports on issues that affect our region: housing, wildlife, the arts, immigration, local government and more. Our goal is to inform. We do our best to report the whole story and reflect what is happening.
Why don’t you merge with Wyoming Public Media (WPM)?
KHOL and WPM serve different purposes. KHOL’s coverage is locally driven and rooted in the cultural life of Jackson Hole. We do collaborate with WPM, and we will continue to do so, but our region deserves its own voice.
How can I help KHOL during this time?
Donate: Your financial support is more critical than ever.
Share: Spread the word about KHOL and why local media matters.
Get involved: Volunteer, sponsor, or offer skills that help us thrive.
Stay informed: Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our reporting.