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Central Florida Public Media Faces Financial Crisis

Community members unite to support Central Florida Public Media during a fundraising event.

News Summary

Central Florida Public Media, previously known as WMFE, is grappling with a financial crisis due to significant federal and state budget cuts totaling $600,000. This has forced the organization to suspend its Emerging Journalism Fellowship program and freeze key job positions. To tackle a $400,000 funding gap, they are organizing a one-day fundraising drive matched by the Ginsburg Family Foundation. This situation endangers vital programming that serves the local community across nine counties, highlighting the need for public support in sustaining independent journalism.

Orlando, Florida – Central Florida Public Media is facing a significant financial crisis due to severe budget cuts enacted in recent federal and state funding adjustments. The organization, previously known as WMFE, is losing approximately $300,000 in federal funds this fiscal year, with an additional $300,000 anticipated next fiscal year. Cumulatively, these reductions amount to about 11% of the station’s total budget.

The financial strain on Central Florida Public Media is compounded by a veto from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which has cut the station off from an additional $100,000 in state public media funding. As a result of these cuts, the organization has made the tough decision to suspend its Emerging Journalism Fellowship program, which aimed to support early-career journalists, and has frozen two open job positions critical to their operations.

These budget cuts pose a looming threat to the programming provided by Central Florida Public Media, which operates two radio stations: 90.7 FM Orlando and 89.5 FM in The Villages. National programming costs, including popular shows such as “Fresh Air,” “Reveal,” “Hidden Brain,” and “TED Radio Hour,” may be at risk if financial support is not secured.

To address the urgent funding gap of $400,000, Central Florida Public Media is launching a one-day fundraising drive on July 25, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During this initiative, donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000 by the Ginsburg Family Foundation, enhancing the potential impact of community contributions. Individuals interested in supporting the station can donate through the Central Florida Public Media website or participate in fundraising events, including a benefit concert titled “Punks for Public Media,” scheduled for August 10 at Will’s Pub.

Central Florida Public Media plays an essential role in serving its audience across nine counties, delivering independent and reliable journalism that addresses pressing local issues such as the housing crisis and public transit challenges. The organization’s commitment to quality news coverage is increasingly critical in an era where misinformation is rampant, and many newsrooms are shrinking or closing altogether.

As Central Florida Public Media navigates this financial crisis, the importance of community support cannot be overstated. The organization emphasizes that access to trustworthy information is a fundamental right that should be available to all residents. Engaging the community through fundraising drives and events not only helps fill the financial gap but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining vital local journalism.

In summary, Central Florida Public Media faces significant cuts that threaten its operational capacity and the delivery of quality journalism to its community. The organization’s upcoming fundraising efforts aim to bridge a critical budget gap, ensuring that it can continue to serve the public interest in these challenging times.