While northern Nevada’s only House representative, Republican Mark Amodei, is yet again saying something he voted yes on could be clawed back on, even though this week’s public media congressional defunding is already a claw back, KUNR is asking for urgent monthly donations. Meanwhile, PBS Reno has a statement saying it is independent and community-owned.
“We are not owned by, or affiliated with, any college, university, or other government agency. We are not affiliated with any public radio station. We raise 83% of our operating budget from the people in the region who we serve. If you already contribute to PBS Reno, thank you!” PBS Reno says on the front page of its website.
“This action rescinds $1.1 billion in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress and committed to more than 1,500 public media stations across the country, including KUNR Public Radio,” a black banner at the top of KUNR’s website indicates.
“This is a critical moment for public media, including right here in Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra region.”
Amodei, who was inside KUNR’s studios in April, and on June 10th issued a statement “urging the Trump Administration to reconsider rescissions in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” released a new statement yesterday after voting to approve the requested $9 billion rescissions, encompassing cuts in foreign aid as well.
“We will have at least three more opportunities — through the Appropriations Committee markup process, voting on the House floor, and conferencing with the Senate — to ensure that local broadcasting is still supported in FY26," Amodei is quoted as saying. “Additionally, should Congress not pass FY26 appropriations before October 1, current FY25 levels will be maintained through a continuing resolution. We still have a long road ahead of us before the start of the next fiscal year, and I will continue to fight for our local broadcasters in the months ahead."
The money which had already been approved but is now being pulled back includes an estimated $7.5 million for Nevada TV and radio outlets, with possible staffing cuts now on the local horizon.
In his June 10th statement Amodei sang a different tune saying “our local stations are dedicated to serving their communities, but their ability to continue offering free, high-quality programming would be eliminated if the federal funding is rescinded. Rescinding this funding also would isolate rural communities, jeopardizing their access to vital resources they depend on."
Our Town Reno reporting, July 2025