Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Amid widespread reductions in federal funding affecting organizations nationwide, it is important to keep our community informed on the potential impact faced by WMHT and its public media colleagues.

As was clear at a recent DOGE subcommittee hearing, the threat of losing significant federal dollars is real – and the cutbacks being discussed could be devastating. For that reason, PBS, NPR, and public media organizations in communities across the country, including WMHT, are working hard to preserve this vital support.

The loss of federal resources jeopardizes free and universally available programming that serves a multitude of devoted TV, radio, and online viewers and listeners. Our distinct content reflects the populations and issues present in our communities. And, 9 in 10 parents consider PBS the most trusted, safe and educational media brand for children.

At WMHT, we are particularly proud of the depth and breadth of our locally focused, locally produced programming:

• In January, we celebrated 50 years of weekly state capital reporting, first through Inside Albany and today with New York NOW.
• In February, we told the local story of the Great Migration with North to New York: The Great Migration in NY's Capital Region.
• In March, with Classical WMHT-FM, we hosted the inaugural Next Generation Festival, featuring aspiring musicians from our region's colleges and universities performing at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. (Coming to WMHT in June)
• This month, we present the original series Reflections on the Erie Canal, which explores the waterway’s importance to New York on its 200th anniversary.
• In September, we will host The American Revolution: An Evening with Ken Burns at the Palace Theatre to help launch the landmark series airing in November.
• And every Wednesday, we showcase the rich tapestry of artistic ambition from the Capital Region on AHA! A House for Arts.

Even as we face this historic threat, you can be assured that WMHT remains committed and focused on its mission: telling stories, sharing information, and educating, engaging and inspiring our audiences in ways that set us apart from other media entities. Please know that endeavor moves forward unabated.

We are privileged to serve the people and needs of our communities; passionate about the importance of building on those efforts; and appreciative of your continued loyalty, advocacy and donor support.

That we are in this together gives me great encouragement and hope for the future.

Anthony V. Hayes
President & CEO
WMHT Public Media