Idaho's Public Media Faces Tough Times: What's Next?

Idaho Public Television is in a tight spot. They're losing a big chunk of their money. About $2 million to be exact. That's a quarter of what they usually get from private donors. This is all because Congress, led by Republicans, decided to stop funding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Tough Choices Ahead

To deal with this, Idaho Public Television has to make some tough choices. They're cutting eight jobs. That's four people who found new jobs and four who are retiring. These people won't be replaced. This will save about $800,000 in salaries and benefits. The good news is that these cuts won't happen right away. They'll start in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This gives them some time to adjust.

Impact on Quality

Even with these cuts, the quality of their shows might drop. Jeff Tucker, the general manager, admitted that viewers will notice a difference. But they can't cut too much. If they do, people might stop donating. And that would mean even less money for their shows.

Popular Shows at Risk

Idaho Public Television is trying to keep their popular shows like:

• Outdoor Idaho
• Idaho Experience
• Idaho Reports

But they need help. They're asking viewers to donate more. They want people to give $5 or $10 a month instead of just once a year.

Broader Impact

This isn't just about Idaho Public Television. Public radio stations in Idaho are also losing money. About 20% of Boise State Public Radio's funding came from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Private companies won't fill this gap. They won't spend millions to reach every part of Idaho.

Rural Counties at Risk

Rural counties in Idaho benefit a lot from public media. They might be the ones who lose the most if funding continues to drop. But it's not just their problem. It's everyone's problem. We're all in this together.