Dear friends of public media,

The House of Representatives has passed the amended rescission package, which includes the elimination of federal funding for public media.

For WCMU, this action results in a loss of $1.6 million—nearly 19% of our operating budget for our fiscal year that started July 1. The loss will be similar for fiscal year 2027. While we may have been federally defunded, we are not defeated.

We remain committed to serving central and northern Michigan with trusted journalism, educational programming, life-saving alerts, and a connection to the arts, culture, and voices that define our region. That mission doesn’t end here—and neither does our resolve.

For now, know this: public media is built by the public. And with your continued support, WCMU will endure. Your donation is a statement to those who wish to see the dismantling of one of the most trusted institutions in America. Public media cannot be silenced with your support.

With gratitude,

Rick Westover
General Manager
WCMU Public Media