An Important Update from KAMU
Kelly Brown, General Manager
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Dear Friends of KAMU:
Following last night’s Congressional decision to eliminate federal funding for public media, our team at KAMU has been working to evaluate the impact and determine next steps. Lawmakers voted 216 to 213 to revoke funding that had already been approved, reversing a long-standing commitment to PBS and NPR.
For KAMU, this decision means one-third of our funding will go away, starting this fall. We are left navigating an uncertain path ahead. While we are still finalizing how KAMU will sustain its programming and operations going forward, we want to be transparent with you: We are committed to continuing our service to the community and are actively exploring new opportunities to keep that mission alive. We’ll share more details as our approach develops.
We know that, like us, you value what public media brings to communities: A commitment to unbiased news, inspiring storytelling and programming that elevates voices often left unheard. KAMU, both a PBS and NPR affiliate, is more than just a source of information in the Brazos Valley:
- We are a learning lab and launchpad for Texas A&M students, offering hands-on experience that often leads directly to job offers after graduation. This summer, 12 students are a part of our program — video, audio and digital content creators, as well as marketing and community event team members — and we anticipate nearly 20 participating in the fall.
- Texas A&M faculty, researchers and administrators, along with community leaders, can be seen and heard on our broadcast and digital platforms, including our increasing amount of livestreamed and on-demand content.
- We have 13 locally-created programs, including two produced exclusively by students.
Though the funding decision presents significant challenges, we want to make one thing clear: We will continue to stand for integrity, for fact-based reporting and for quality programming that matters to the people we serve. We will persist with journalism that elevates local voices, ensures people are held to their actions and provides important context for issues that shape our world.
We deeply appreciate the support you’ve given us so far. Your belief in the importance of a free press and in our mission makes KAMU possible. While this action will change the landscape of public media, it will not change our mission to keep you informed, connected and engaged.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of the vital work we do. And to everyone who has contributed to KAMU, your generosity fuels our mission and helps us keep meaningful content alive for the community. We appreciate you.
Together, we’ll continue to rise to meet the challenges ahead. We hope to be here for the long haul, and we couldn’t do this without you.
With deep appreciation,
Kelly Brown, ’89
General Manager, KAMU
