WERU Community Radio

Our Spring Membership Drive ran from May 3 May 10, and it was highly successful thanks to you, our loyal listeners! Over $45,000 was raised, far more than the original goal of $27,000! 400 people called in donations or gave online! These funds will help greatly as we navigate the threats to and uncertainty around federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, now and in the future. WERU will continue to be strong because of the amazing support of our community! Thank you!

Click “read more” to see a financial snapshot of WERU in 2025.

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The following is an update on the shifting legislative and political landscape in Washington and the potential implications for WERU’s core operational support.

As you are probably aware, our organization receives a significant portion (25%) of its funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which is currently facing escalating challenges at the federal level.

Congress may soon consider a rescissions package that would claw back previously appropriated funding for CPB. While the outcome is still uncertain, the mere possibility has added instability to an already unpredictable budget environment. Meanwhile, the FY 2026 appropriations process—which typically determines CPB’s future funding—is expected to be delayed. Early signals from the Administration indicate that the President’s full budget submission could include steep reductions or even the elimination of CPB funding. Although the President’s budget is only a recommendation, Congress has already indicated that substantial cuts are likely across the overall federal budget, which will impact all appropriations bills.

Further compounding the situation are recent Executive Orders and administrative efforts to undermine CPB’s independence and its ability to distribute funds. As FY26 begins in October, there may be attempts by the U.S. Treasury to withhold already appropriated funds from CPB—an action that, if carried out, could result in immediate disruptions to CPB grantees, including WERU.

This combination of rescission threats, budget uncertainty, and administrative interference places federal support for public media—and by extension, WERU —in a precarious position. We are monitoring developments closely and are in regular contact with CPB and public media stakeholders (like the National Federation of Community Broadcasters) to understand potential impacts and prepare for various scenarios. In short, the financial outlook for our federal partnership is highly uncertain.

We remain committed to our mission and will continue advocating for the essential work that we do for the community, working together. Thank you for your continued support!

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Since 2002, Maine artist Robert Shetterly and Americans Who Tell the Truth have created and presented 280 portraits of Americans they describe as “Models of Courageous Citizenship.” Shetterly’s most recent portrait subject is Rivera Sun, activist and award-winning author of The Dandelion Insurrection and many other books, whose portrait was unveiled at the Bay School in Blue Hill on May 4. She was introduced by her dear friend and previous portrait subject, renowned activist, lawyer, and Penobscot Nation member Sherri Mitchell Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset. You can listen to Rivera Sun’s inspiring talk on WERU on Tuesday, May 13, 5-5:30pm, and audio from the entire unveiling event here.

Many of us are not yet feeling the heat from the dramatic policy changes coming out of the new federal administration – life goes on. But some of us are getting hurt. And some of us are afraid. Because so many of these federal policies are being promulgated by executive order, without Congress and sometimes in defiance of the courts, some observers are concerned that our country is experiencing a constitutional crisis. It is certainly a moment of disruption. How serious is it? Who might be next? How is this moment outside the norm? How worried should we be?

Tune in at 4pm today for the most recent episode of Democracy Forum from the League of Women Voters of Maine, and listen in the WERU archives here!

Participatory Democracy, encouraging citizens to take an active role in government and politics. Tune in every 3rd Friday of the month at 4pm!

 

We Are Queer, hosted by Olivia Paruk, is a monthly half hour show discussing being LGBTQ+ in Maine and beyond! We Are Queer, highlights the touching experiences from Maine’s diverse LGBTQ+ community that builds empathy and understanding in our greater community. If you have feedback for the show or want to get in touch email info@weru.org with WERQ in the subject line.

Episode 1 – Pepin: Discovery of Self
Episode 2 – Father Douglas: God Does Not Create Junk
Episode 3 – Bo Dennis: Finding Queer Joy Through Farming
Episode 4 – OutMaine: Looking Out for Our Queer Children
Episode 5 – Lori: Art Can Change Hearts and Minds
Episode 6 – Benjamin: Live and Let Live

You can also listen to all the episodes wherever you get podcasts!

What’s the Word on Maine Street, hosted by Sarah Pebworth, is a weekly short feature every Saturday at 9:30am looking at local word and literary arts events and offerings!

You can listen to all the episodes in the WERU archives!