Lakeshore Public Media landed a record-breaking $126,000 donation after having both its state and federal funding unexpectedly slashed earlier this year.
An anonymous donor gave the largest personal gift in the recent history of the PBS and NPR affiliate, board member Larry Brechner said. The donation will help support programming on Lakeshore PBS and Lakeshore Public Radio at 89.1 FM.
“While financial challenges remain, this extraordinary gift has 'lit the fuse' on Lakeshore’s next chapter, stabilizing operations and inspiring a bold push toward sustainable growth. It stands as proof that, even in difficult times, the public values independent journalism and education close to home," Lakeshore Public Media Interim CEO Nancy Clifford said in a statement.
Lakeshore Public Media abruptly lost $380,000 from its budget when Indiana eliminated state funding for public broadcasting. After losing 40% of its annual budget, the public broadcaster then lost federal support after Congress rescinded funding, leading to the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
"Any infusion of cash is welcome," Brechner said. "This gift keeps us operating. It shows the station is not dead in the water."
Outside of institutional grants, it's the largest donation the station has ever received, Brechner said.
"Every cent counts," Brechner said. "We're still operating with a skeleton crew."
Lakeshore Public Media is still broadcasting some locally produced programming, including Brechner's "Art on the Air," "The Beat with Tom Lounges" and "Building Blocks." But the state and federal cuts forced it to slash staff and cut back on local news. It now only has a staff of five people.
"We've had some individual donors increase their amounts," he said. "For years, we've been the only public broadcasting in Northwest Indiana. People rely on us for PBS and NPR shows. We're a Northwest Indiana station that's an alternative to the Chicagoland stations. We couldn't do it without member support. We don't sell commercials. We're doing it for the public."
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