170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting

KUT has joined with hundreds of public media organizations across the country to educate the public on the importance of federal funding for public media. 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting is a national grassroots effort to rally the support of the 170 million Americans who listen to or use public media each month. We believe in the public-private partnership that has built public broadcasting—and KUT—into the essential service that it is today.

As you know, federal funding for public broadcasting periodically enters the national debate – usually the discussion is about eliminating it. In the first Presidential debate the elimination of federal funding to “PBS” was mentioned prominently.  So that you know the facts, the vast majority of federal funding is distributed to local stations in the form of incentive grants – matching local support. Eliminating support for “PBS” would actually eliminate support for KUT, KMFA and KLRU-TV in our community.

To learn more, check out our FAQ below.

What is “170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting”?

170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting is a national, grassroots effort to rally the support of the 170 million Americans who watch, listen to or use public media each month. The purpose of this effort is to raise awareness about the local and national impact and value of public radio and TV, and the important role that continued Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding plays in our daily service. The heart of the project is a website (www.170MillionAmericans.org) that gives public media supporters a way to register their support and to put that support into action.

Who’s paying for this and how?

Initial support has come from national organizations, such as American Public Media, the Association of Public Television Stations the Association of Independents in Radio, Public Radio International, NPR, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters and others. No government funding is being used for this effort. Stations are not charged for participating in this effort and are not obligated to participate.

Why is KUT involved with this? What is KUT’s role?

KUT has joined with hundreds of public media organizations across the country because we believe in the public-private partnership that has built public broadcasting—and KUT—into the essential service that it is today. Austin has a very special relationship with public broadcasting: KUT is a founding member of NPR, and KUT’s founder, Bob Schenkkan, was actively involved in the creation of NPR, PBS and the CPB.

We believe the most powerful voice is that of constituents. Therefore, KUT’s role is to educate our audience about the campaign and the value of public broadcasting and let them decide for themselves whether they want to become involved. We have posted a link to the 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting website on KUT.org and we have shared the link on KUT’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

How much money does KUT receive from the federal government each year?

KUT does not receive direct funding from the federal government. KUT receives over $500,000 ($533,509 for FY 11-12) from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which amounts to about 7 percent of KUT’s annual budget.

How does KUT spend that $500,000 from the CPB each year?

KUT is required to use about 26 percent of our CPB funds to purchase or produce national programs of our choosing. We use the money to pay for NPR programs, such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air and Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me. In the past, we have used it to help produce the national program, LATINO USA. The other portion of those funds is used for operational expenses—mostly for KUT news reporter salaries.

Does KUT receive any funding from the State of Texas? If so, how much?

KUT does not receive direct cash funding from state government or The University of Texas. KUT is a unit within the College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin which does provide valuable in-kind support through utilities, campus services and administrative support.

What is KUT’s revenue model?

KUT enjoys strong support from the Central Texas community. Eighty-seven percent of KUT’s annual revenue comes from individual listeners and businesses. Listener contributions are used for direct programming and broadcasting expenses. The other 13 percent of KUT’s revenue comes from grants and miscellaneous streams, such as a tower lease, sub-carrier lease, production services from other public stations, etc.

For more information visit the 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting FAQ online: www.170MillionAmericans.org