The WKU Public Media team held an open house on Thursday to promote the protection of public media. 

WKU Public Media provides free broadcasting to Bowling Green and distributes media that serves not just WKU but Kentucky as a whole. WKU Public Media operates WKU Public Radio, WKU Public Broadcasting Service and Hilltopper Sports Satellite Network. 

On July 24, 2025, the federal government passed the Recissions Act of 2025 to cut funding for public media outlets such as National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service. Before the bill passed, public media relied on funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as an integral part of its budget.

After the bill passed, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting officially shut down, leaving public media outlets to fend for themselves. 

“Now more than ever, we need support,” Kevin Willis, news director for WKU’s National Public Radio, said. “When the federal funding went away, we didn’t know what that meant; everything was a possibility, including the whole thing going away.” 

The open house serves as a reminder to citizens of what public media offers to the community and encourages citizens to advocate. 

“Tomorrow the federal government starts its planning for the next budget cycle, so this is just an opportunity to let people know now is the time to let your voice be heard,” Jordan Basham, director of Public Media Services, said. 

WKU Public Media lost two positions due to these budget cuts. No layoffs occurred as both individuals took other job opportunities. However, the funding was not available to refill those positions. 

“When you go from a newsroom of five to three, it becomes all the more important that those three people work well together,” Willis said.