Statements from from Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc - 1240whbu : Job Details

Statement from Mark Newman, Executive Director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc.

“We were stunned and deeply disheartened by the release of the latest state budget plan from leadership in the Indiana General Assembly.

Despite being included in the governor's original budget proposal and passing through both the House and Senate without amendment, state funding for Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations has been completely eliminated for FY2026 and FY2027.

This decision removes $3.675 million in longstanding support for our 17 member stations—funding that has been vital to public media in Indiana for decades. This action came without advance warning or explanation.

While we understand the gravity of the state's $2.4 billion budget shortfall, the complete zeroing out of funding—without dialogue or compromise—is both unexpected and unconscionable. The ramifications will be felt across Indiana.

Public broadcasting in Indiana serves 95% of the state, connecting Hoosiers of all ages and backgrounds with programming that informs, educates, and inspires. Without state support, the impact will be profound:

Young children and families will lose access to trusted educational programming that prepares children for school and lifelong success.Seniors will lose resources designed to support healthy, independent living—from financial literacy to wellness and digital safety.Local artists and historians will lose an essential platform for preserving and sharing Indiana's rich cultural heritage.Public safety infrastructure will be compromised, as we play a vital role in distributing emergency alerts and information statewide.All Hoosiers risk losing access to fact-based, community-centered news and information that strengthens civic life and fosters informed decision-making.Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations has always served the people of Indiana—not with partisanship, but with purpose. To find your state representative, go here.

Mark NewmanExecutive DirectorIndiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc.

(Re-Posted by Stan Sollars): More from Newman, including a link for contacting your state lawmakers. Also, it would be a surprise if this was only happening in Indiana.

“I am reaching out to you with an urgent update and call to action.

Late last night, the new two-year budget bill for state funding was released and $3.675 million in critical funding (per year) for Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations has been removed from the Indiana state budget.

There are 17 public television and radio stations across the state, serving 95% of Hoosiers, providing free access to trusted journalism, lifelong learning, and public safety information.

What does this mean for Hoosiers across the state?

State funding makes up a critical portion of the budget for our local public media stations. Rolling it back would seriously impact our ability to provide trusted local news, life-saving emergency alerts, proven educational resources, and essential community services.

Loss of this funding will impact the overall stability of our stations' budgets. Our stations will have to close this gap through additional funding from other sources or cut expenses. This will be a devastating loss for Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations across the state and the communities they serve.

Please call your state representative and let them know that you value public media. You can find your legislator here:

Key Facts:Public media stations play a critical role in the state of Indiana, providing free access to news and information, educational content and public safety resources.Public Broadcasting Stations serve 95% of Hoosiers and the impact of these funding cuts will hurt your district and the state of Indiana.Public media plays an indispensable role in your community and these funding cuts will impact the lives of all Hoosiers, from those who rely on free access to news and information and critical educational resources that support children, families, and seniors.

Please act now, and thank you for your support of Indiana Public Broadcasting.”

Mark NewmanExecutive DirectorIndiana Public Broadcasting Stations, Inc