FUNDING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Get the Latest Information on PBS Reno’s Funding
Update on Federal Funding & Recent Court Ruling | April 2026
A recent federal court ruling blocked an executive order that attempted to prohibit federal funding for NPR and PBS based on viewpoint. However, this ruling does not restore federal funding for local public media stations. Congress previously rescinded funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which continues to significantly impact stations like PBS Reno. Local stations remain community-supported and rely on viewer donations to continue essential local programming and services. You can read more about the court ruling and the update on federal funding here.
✗MYTH
PBS funding is restored! I should stop donating
✓ FACT
The ruling does not restore federal funding for PBS or local stations that Congress rescinded last year.
✗MYTH
It's too late. This ruling won't have any impact.
✓ FACT
It does prevent federal agencies from excluding PBS from grants or other federal funding opportunities.
✗MYTH
PBS Reno doesn’t need help anymore.
✓ FACT
Continued donations to local stations — and urging Congress to restore funding through appropriations — remain essential.
Q. Is PBS Reno going out of business?
A. Absolutely not. We will continue to serve our region as we have every day since we went on the air in September 1983.
Q. What will happen to my favorite program(s)?
A. We will continue to show the national programs as they are made available from PBS, as we do now. Wild Nevada and ARTEFFECTS are funded locally and will continue as well.
Q. Will you continue with new local programs?
A. Yes, as they are funded. Several are in production right now, thanks to the financial support from our community.
Q. How much money did PBS Reno lose?
A. PBS Reno has lost $1.3 million that we had budgeted for FY26, which begins October 1, 2025. We have also lost an estimated $1.3 million from the FY27 budget year beginning October 1, 2026. Together, this represents 17% of our annual $7.3 million operating budget.
Q. Will you have community events and screenings?
A. Yes, as they are funded.
Q. Will you have to cut staff?
A. No, we will not cut our staff. If necessary, we will make cuts to local projects, capital improvements and reduce other costs but not staff.
Q. How do I urge Congress to restore funding?
A. We encourage you to stay engaged and share your support for public media and PBS Reno with our elected representatives. In Nevada, Congressman Amodei, Senator Rosen, and Senator Cortez Masto. In California, Representative Kiley. You can email them, call them, or, in some cases, request a meeting.
Q. What about KUNR public radio?
A. We are not affiliated with public radio. PBS Reno is an independent 501c3 corporation owned by Channel 5 Public Broadcasting In. KUNR is owned and operated by the University, and we encourage you to connect with them directly regarding their funding needs.
Q. Will the federal money come back?
A. No one knows as of now. Our congressional delegation is exploring ways to get some money put back in the federal budget for public broadcasting, but nothing has happened as of now.
Q. Will you still have Passport and streaming?
A. Absolutely. These will continue as they are now.
Q. What about your Curiosity Classroom workshop and the Young Writer’s Contest?
A. Yes. These programs are generously funded by the community and will continue uninterrupted. We can continue this important work as well as expand it to the degree that it is funded.
Q. How will you make up that money? How can I help?
A. Several ways. First, we are encouraging everyone who watches to become a member if they are not already, in the amount that is best for them. You can send a check or donate online. People can also give through their estate plans, retirement accounts or our vehicle donation program. We have great relationships and support from area companies, corporations and foundations who have committed to continuing their support. Additionally, we do production work for hire and lease space on our broadcast tower, so there are many ways we work to diversify funding.
PBS Reno is debt free, as it has been for its entire existence. We have previously raised 83% of our annual operating budget through local support.