Funding reductions to public broadcasting could potentially jeopardize essential services relied upon by millions
In the heart of Kentucky, the Kentucky Educational Television (KET) network stands as a beacon of educational content and community-building resources, reaching over 2 million Kentuckians each week. However, this invaluable asset is facing a significant threat, as the Rescissions Act of 2025 proposes to eliminate all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
The Senate is currently considering the Rescissions Act proposal, with a July 18 deadline. If passed, this act would reverse funds already appropriated by Congress, posing a significant threat to KET's sustainability. KET relies heavily on the annual CPB grant as a crucial part of its funding mix, and the loss of this federal funding would have an enormous impact on the network's ability to provide educational programs and services.
For some Kentuckians, especially those in early learning stages, KET's programs are their only source of education. Generations have grown up with KET's trusted early childhood programs, such as Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, and many more, designed to help develop vocabulary and math skills and prepare children for school and life. The potential loss of these programs would be devastating for many families.
Beyond early education, KET's educational resources serve K-12 and beyond, being used by teachers and families across Kentucky. KET was founded over 60 years ago to provide quality educational programs and services to every Kentuckian, regardless of circumstance. Today, it continues to uphold this mission, contributing to an informed and connected citizenry by providing live, unfiltered coverage of the Kentucky General Assembly and Kentucky Supreme Court.
Moreover, KET's 15-tower network ensures reliable infrastructure for public safety emergency communications and warnings about severe weather, tornadoes, flooding, and other emergencies. The loss of federal funding (about 96 cents per person) would dramatically alter KET's operations and ability to produce Kentucky-centric programs and services.
The impact of the Rescissions Act on KET would be enormous. If the CPB funding were to be eliminated, many of the educational programs and critical services KET delivers could be cut or severely diminished, directly affecting the accessibility and quality of educational resources available to Kentuckians. This would jeopardize the mission KET has upheld for over 60 years: to enrich lives and build stronger communities throughout Kentucky.
However, there is still time to make a difference in supporting KET. The continued support of Kentuckians is crucial for KET to maintain its operations and services. As Shae Hopkins, the executive director and CEO of KET, emphasizes, "KET is a valuable asset built over decades through Kentuckian's investment and support." By raising awareness and advocating for KET, Kentuckians can help ensure that this invaluable resource continues to serve the state for generations to come.
- In Kentucky, KET's educational content and community resources serve over 2 million residents each week, but the Rescissions Act of 2025 threatens its sustainability by proposing to eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 2026 and 2027.
- KET heavily relies on the annual CPB grant, and the loss of federal funding would significantly impact its ability to provide educational programs and services, including those for early childhood development, which are crucial for families with limited access to education.
- Beyond education, KET's 15-tower network ensures reliable infrastructure for public safety emergency communications and severe weather warnings, making it an essential part of Kentucky's public safety system.
- To ensure KET continues its mission of enriching lives and building stronger communities throughout Kentucky for generations to come, public support, awareness, and advocacy are essential in preventing the impact of the Rescissions Act on KET's critical educational programs and services.
