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!

Template for advocacy letter to voice your support for WERU to Maine’s Congressional Delegation:

Dear Senator/Representative [Name],

I am a listener and supporter of WERU Community Radio, 89.9 FM, and I’m writing to you about the Trump Administration’s rescission package that Congress will be considering soon, which includes the elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I urge you to strongly oppose the rescission, which would gravely impact our local community radio station, an essential community service organization for the people of Midcoast, Downeast, and Central Maine (and throughout the entire state over the internet).

As our representative, please understand and appreciate the vital role of WERU Community Radio, and what it will mean to your constituents if this essential service is diminished or even lost. WERU is listener supported (over 2250 listener-members and local business supporters) and volunteer powered (125 volunteers are “on-the-air” and behind-the-scenes). These local people collaborate to provide diverse music, informative local public affairs programming, and dynamic community connections. WERU also partners with other nonprofit organizations to amplify their missions. In short, WERU is an essential cultural and community institution.

While listener and local business support comprise 63% of WERU’s fundraising revenue, the radio station relies on sustained, robust federal support for approximately 25% of its revenue through a CPB Community Service Grant. This investment allows us to be reliable, indispensable, and free, and provides funding for operations and infrastructure, as well as resources for station partnerships and collaborations.

If approved, this rescission will also have devastating consequences for noncommercial music, artists, musicians, and fans alike. Community and public radio are essential for this nation’s music ecosystem – maintaining the immense cultural wealth and regional character of music across the United States. CPB secures blanket music licenses that allow this music service to be possible. Without CPB, stations like WERU would face significant constraints and financial burden in securing the same types of rights and uses required to support their on-air broadcasts and streaming.

Please strongly oppose the rescission, and thank you for your support of community media.

Yours truly,

[Your name and town]

Senator Collins:

https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact/email-senator-collins
202 Harlow St., Room 20100
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 945-0417

413 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2523

Senator King:

https://www.king.senate.gov/contact-home

133 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5344

202 Harlow St., Suite 20350
Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 945-8000

Representative Golden:

https://golden.house.gov/contact

1107 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-6306

6 State Street
Suite 101
Bangor, ME  04401
Phone: (207) 249-7400

Representative Pingree:

https://pingree.house.gov/contact/

2354 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-6116

1 Silver Street
Waterville, ME 04901
(207) 873-5713