Lakeshore Public Media is laying off staff and cutting back on local radio and television production after the state unexpectedly slashed its funding.
The Merrillville-based broadcaster of Lakeshore Public Television and Lakeshore Public Radio faces a 40% reduction in funding after state lawmakers cut public media funding from the state budget at the end of the legislative session to address a $2.4 billion projected shortfall. It is also bracing for potential federal funding cuts, President and CEO Chuck Roberts said.
Lakeshore Public Media officials did not disclose the exact number of employees and which programs are affected.
"With these shortages in mind and the goal of continued operations, Lakeshore has had to make some tough choices and undertake a reduction in force. This will mean a reduction in local production on TV and radio," Roberts said.
Lakeshore Public Media, which runs the only over-the-air television station broadcast in Northwest Indiana, also faces some structural challenges, Roberts said.
"With the change in the way viewers and listeners consume TV and radio broadcasts, Lakeshore Public Media has been facing an uphill battle for support. Shortfalls in corporate support through underwriting and major giving have made it tough to continue to tell the story of Northwest Indiana," he said. "Membership support from our viewers and listeners remains strong, but represents about a third of the funding needed to keep Lakeshore on the air. These budgetary issues have been compounded by the total cut of state funding for public media in Indiana."
Lakeshore Public Media faces a $385,000 loss of funding to its annual operating budget, Roberts said. Further, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating federal funding for the Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio.
The Merrillville-based affiliate also has had to deal with rising costs, including a 20% increase in PBS dues.
Lakeshore Public Television produces local shows like "Eye on the Arts," "Friends and Neighbors" and "Building Blocks." Lakeshore Public Radio puts out shows like "Regionally Speaking," "Midwest Beat," "Midwest Beat Blues" and "Let's Eat With Chef Nick."
"We will strive to continue serving the people of Northwest Indiana with content creation and community engagement while exploring partnership opportunities to ensure that public media is accessible to our communities," Roberts said.
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