Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — WXXI is bracing for impact as House Republicans sign off on more than $9 billion in funding cuts, part of a massive rescissions package.
Of the $9.4 billion in rescinded funding, $1.1 billion will be stripped from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS.
MORE: What are the $9B cuts in congressional spending from already approved funds?
“We clawed back $9 billion in taxpayer funds and wasteful spending,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a press conference Friday. “Fraud, waste and abuse.”
WXXI will reportedly lose roughly 15% of its operating budget over two years, equaling roughly $1,913,857, as a result of the bill, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting.
“I’m going to be completely honest with you, I was saddened,” said Chris Hastings, president and CEO of WXXI in Rochester.
“The American people had agreed to fund public media for the next two years, and it’s being stripped away,” Hastings continued.
During an interview on ARC Rochester Friday morning, Hastings said the full impact remains to be seen.
BACKGROUND: WXXI CEO responds to cuts to public broadcasting
“They can take the money, but the mission, what we do is so important and so vital right now,” Hastings said.
“I think across the country, there are some services that are going to be at risk, in particular, our children’s programming,” Hastings continued.
Supporters of the move, including Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney, who represents New York’s 24th District in the House of Representatives, have accused PBS and NPR of publishing biased content.
MORE: Obsolete and biased? Or vital for local communities? PBS, NPR money on the chopping block
Those against the bill say it will only harm underserved communities, which rely heavily on public media for local news.
“When a flood happens, when a tornado touches down, when a hurricane makes landfall, people need immediate up to date alerts to stay safe,” said Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Sometimes, all too often, public broadcasting is the only way for people to hear what’s going on.”
Hastings said regardless of the bill, WXXI will push forward.
“We are going to make sure we are a place for everybody’s voice,” Hastings said. “But we are also going to make sure we serve underrepresented audiences. That is the core mission of what public media is.”
Roughly $8 billion will also be taken from foreign aid programs, as part of the rescission package. Johnson said he was delighted to send the package to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
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