provided to The Santiva Chronicle
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will officially cease operations on September 30, 2025, ending decades of federal support for public media.
CPB’s closure marks a significant shift in the funding model for PBS and NPR stations. Still, WGCU Public Media will remain a robust service as support from our community increases and the public responds.
The combined loss of federal CPB support and recurring state funding creates a funding gap of more than $2.2 million, nearly 18% of WGCU’s annual operating budget. Despite this, WGCU is taking bold steps to continue delivering essential services to the Southwest Florida community.
“We want to be very clear—WGCU is not going off the air, the initial outpouring of community support inspires us, but we need to carry this momentum into every day and every dollar moving forward,” said WGCU General Manager Corey Lewis.
“Yes, the loss of CPB is a serious blow. But our mission remains. We are still producing award-winning journalism, public safety coverage, inspiring arts and culture, and local programming that reflects and serves this community,” said Lewis.
WGCU will continue to provide trusted PBS and NPR content, as well as original productions including Southwest Florida In Focus, Untold Stories, and Gulf Coast Life. The station also plays a critical role in regional emergency communications through the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN).
With federal and state support disappearing, WGCU is turning to the community it serves. Increased donations from listeners, viewers, and local organizations will be essential to sustain operations.
“CPB may be closing, but public media’s future is to meet this moment and serve our communities,” added Lewis. “It now belongs entirely to the people who believe in it. With the community’s support, WGCU will not just survive—we will evolve, grow, and continue to serve Southwest Florida.”
To support WGCU, visit WGCU.org or call 239-590-2361.
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