Federal Budget Reductions Could Devastate Rural Public Media Across 71 Kansas Counties
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As Congress considers slashing $1.1 billion in public broadcasting support through a proposed rescission bill, rural stations like Smoky Hills PBS are bracing for impact. The looming Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts could dismantle a vital source of information and connection for over 1.2 million Kansans, especially in underserved rural communities.
Smoky Hills PBS Funding Cuts Could Shutter Local Voices
Federal funds currently make up half the operational budget for Smoky Hills PBS, which is based in Bunker Hill, Kansas—a town of just 100 people. If Congress moves forward with the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts, the station’s general manager warns that core functions such as paying staff, running four transmitters, and producing local shows may no longer be possible.
“Do we protect national children’s programming like Sesame Street, or preserve the local coverage that puts Kansas communities on air?” said General Manager Betsy Schwien. “The Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts force us into a terrible dilemma.”
A Lifeline in Isolated Areas
In Courtland, a town of fewer than 300 residents, Judy Blackburn, 89, says PBS programming keeps her company. Watching three hours of PBS a day helps ease her afternoons. Shows like Antiques Roadshow and music specials lift her spirits.
Sherie Mahin, who runs a home daycare in the same town, says PBS’s wholesome programming—especially segments from Sesame Street—have been integral to her daycare’s educational routine for 35 years.
With the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts on the table, Mahin says she would have to start screening unfamiliar channels for age-appropriate content—something she’s never had to worry about before thanks to PBS.
Rural Kansas Could Be Left Behind
The proposed Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts come as Congress evaluates sweeping rescissions to already-approved budgets, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. While some Republicans support the cuts, others, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have voiced concerns about harming rural stations.
Public media advocates argue that the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts disproportionately hurt rural communities, where internet access is poor and alternative programming options are limited. A 2023 study by the University of Kansas found that more than 1 million Kansans still lack access to high-speed broadband.
“We’re not just rural—we’re isolated,” said board vice chair Kyle Stringham of Ulysses, Kansas. “Without Smoky Hills PBS, many homes have no access to reliable information.”
Local Programming at Risk
In addition to national PBS programming, Smoky Hills PBS is known for its local shows, including:
- Doctors On Call: A live call-in program with regional physicians.
- Coverage of high school wrestling and other youth sports.
- Agricultural shows relevant to Kansas farmers.
- Literacy programs like “Share a Story” held in 80+ libraries.
These shows reflect life in rural Kansas and provide a platform for local talent. Without federal funds, the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts could silence those voices and eliminate irreplaceable content.
A Threat to Jobs and Rural Stability
Board member Nick Levendofsky warns the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts could contribute to the “rural brain drain.” The station employs professionals with skills in videography, editing, and production—jobs that are hard to replace in small-town Kansas. If these staff members are laid off, many will have to move to urban centers to find similar work.
“We don’t want more people leaving rural Kansas,” he said. “We want to invest in communities, not hollow them out.”
Public Support Grows, But Time Is Short
Over 3 million Americans have contacted lawmakers through the Protect My Public Media platform to oppose cuts to public broadcasting. PBS President Paula Kerger says even symbolic acts—like students sending graduation cards to PBS—demonstrate how deeply people care.
Still, if the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts proceed, the station’s financial future becomes uncertain.
“We’ve faced funding challenges before,” said longtime board member Randall Weller, “but a 50% revenue cut would be devastating. We’d have to get creative—or close our doors.”
Final Vote Looms in Congress
Congress must vote on the rescission package by July 18. If they reject it, the funding will proceed as planned. If the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts go through, the station may no longer be able to provide the critical local services so many Kansans rely on.
“Public broadcasting is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Levendofsky. “The Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts don’t just affect a station—they affect the soul of rural America.”
📣 Take Action to Protect Local Public Media
📣 Take Action to Protect Local Public Media
Help stop the Smoky Hills PBS funding cuts and preserve educational, family-friendly programming in Kansas.
👉 Visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org to contact your representatives today.
📰 For more stories about education, learning access, and community impact, visit our Education section on Hours of News.
