Hailey
On behalf of everyone at Nine PBS, I extend a heartfelt thank you to our viewers and supporters. Your unwavering encouragement during the recent campaign to protect public media funding has been truly inspiring. Your letters, calls, and advocacy echoed across the nation—and we felt every one of them.
Congress Eliminates Federal Support for Public Media
Despite an incredible nationwide effort by public media supporters, Congress passed the Rescissions Act, effectively terminating federal funding for local public media outlets, including Nine PBS.
This deeply disappointing outcome means that Nine PBS, like many other stations, must now face a significant financial challenge.
The Financial Toll: A $1.8 Million Loss
For Nine PBS, the loss of federal funding translates to a 13% reduction in our annual budget—approximately $1.8 million for this fiscal year alone.
This financial hit is not just a budget issue—it’s a direct challenge to our ability to serve the St. Louis community at the level we strive for.
This is a critical moment for public media, and we must act decisively to safeguard our mission and presence in the region.
Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever
The road ahead requires more than just bridging a funding shortfall. It’s about creating a more resilient and sustainable future for Nine PBS. With your continued support, we can:
- Maintain and expand local programming
- Invest in educational resources and storytelling
- Serve underserved communities across the St. Louis region
If you haven’t yet become a member, now is the time to stand with Nine PBS. Your contribution today will help ensure we continue our vital work tomorrow.
Advocacy Is Far from Over
The fight for public media is ongoing. Advocates are already working with lawmakers to restore funding in the upcoming federal budget cycle, which begins October 1. We’re not giving up—and neither should you.
Our Mission Endures
Nine PBS remains deeply rooted in the St. Louis community. Our commitment to education, civic engagement, and cultural storytelling has not wavered, and it never will.
Public media has always reflected the best of American values—access, inclusion, and service. There’s nothing more American than PBS, and nothing more St. Louis than Channel 9.
We’re here to stay. And with your continued support, we’ll remain a trusted voice and a vital resource for generations to come.
While the loss of federal funding is a setback, it is far from the end. Nine PBS is resilient, driven by purpose, and fueled by community support.
With continued advocacy and financial contributions from viewers like you, Nine PBS will continue to inform, inspire, and educate across the St. Louis region.