There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the rescission bill put forth by the White House which would defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB.

I’ve talked with folks in town and listened to members of Congress. Confusion exists locally and at the federal level about what CPB does, what National Public Radio does and what any of it has to do with KSTK. I’d like to clarify.

CPB provides community service grants to local stations. This is where KSTK’s federal funding comes from. The grant allows stations to serve communities with local news, information, music and other programming.

NPR is an organization that produces news and other content. NPR is not a funder. KSTK does not work for NPR. Stations may purchase NPR content for broadcast.

Those who support this bill, both locally and on the federal level, say things like: CPB needs to be defunded because NPR is a liberal, left-leaning organization. I won’t defend or deny this position.

What I want to clarify is this: Defunding CPB won’t stop NPR from broadcasting or streaming. NPR is funded by foundations and businesses, with only 1% of revenue coming from CPB.

If CPB funds are eliminated, NPR isn’t going anywhere. They’ll be able to afford streaming services and broadcasting on stations in medium to large markets. The amount NPR receives from CPB is insignificant.

Defunding CPB will kill the smaller, rural stations like we have across Alaska. Currently, CPB funds 53% of KSTK’s budget. You live here, so you know the role KSTK plays during emergencies like earthquakes, wind storms or landslides that take out power, internet, cell phones and landlines.

You know the role KSTK plays during a typical week, bringing you local news and community information as well as occasional updates on road closures, power outages, water and sewer.

All this to say — KSTK serves Wrangell. If CPB is defunded, small, rural stations like KSTK are at risk of going off air and people who live in small, rural communities like Wrangell will be less informed and less safe.

If you think that defunding CPB will put a stop to NPR, you’re mistaken. Defunding CPB will likely eliminate your community radio station, taking down local reporting, community information, emergency alerts, music and Wrangell’s voice on the statewide network.

Meanwhile, NPR will continue as always.

Cindy Sweat