CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s public television stations are facing a significant financial setback.
WTCI PBS says a major loss in federal support could impact both local programming and station operations.
Leaders at the station say they are now turning to the community for help.
Programs like PBS Kids, which use educator-developed curriculum built into every episode, help prepare children for school.
But those services could be at risk.
Bob Culkeen, President and CEO of WTCI PBS, says the future is uncertain.
“I’ve worked in the PBS system for over 30 years, and I really love it. I love what we do in the community, and the care we take with all our members, and even those who aren’t members. We tell stories, we educate, we entertain. I feel right now that there is a disturbance in the force, and it hurts,” Culkeen said.
WTCI says it is losing $900,000 in federal funding.
Culkeen explains that Congress had approved public media funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB, which passes that money down to stations.
Funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 had already been approved—but was later rescinded.
“We had a two-year funding appropriation all in place, and basically Congress pulled that back,” Culkeen said. “So our funding for FY26 and FY27, already approved, has been pulled back.”
Culkeen says he is deeply disappointed and believes there could have been a more reasonable compromise.
“What could have been done differently is if Congress had acted more appropriately and left the fiscal 2026 and 2027 budget intact,” he said. “They could have said they weren’t going to fund us after 2028, or modify the funding then. That way, we could have used the time to collaborate and prepare for a smoother transition for public media to continue serving our communities.”
Despite the loss, the station is holding firm in its mission.
“WTCI and the services we provide to the community are free—over the air, online, on social media, and in person. We’re going to keep doing what we do for this community, as long as you continue to help us,” Culkeen said.
PBS’s message is simple, but clear: defunded, but not defeated.
