Detroit PBS moving HQ to city despite cuts
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Detroit PBS president and CEO Rich Homberg in the station's future headquarters. Photo: Joe Guillen/Axios
Detroit PBS is forging ahead with a $35 million plan to move its headquarters back to the city despite federal funding cuts this month that have forced staffing reductions.
The big picture: The station says the move from the suburbs will bring it closer to the communities it serves, streamline operations and revitalize a historic industrial site.
Zoom in: The new headquarters will be at a century-old former General Motors engineering facility on Piquette Avenue in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood.
- The campus will include a TV studio, gathering space, WRCJ 90.9 FM and a 120-space parking lot.
- It's expected to open in phases starting late next year.
Between the lines: The federal government's clawback of nearly $1.1 billion for public broadcasting has forced Detroit PBS to make operational budget cuts.
- The move to Detroit positions the news organization for growth, president and CEO Rich Homberg, tells Axios.
Catch up quick: The station sold its old HQ in Wixom for $11 million in 2023 and has been using temporary studios, per Crain's.
- The station is fundraising for its last tranche of money for the move. Proceeds from the Wixom sale and another $10 million have been confirmed, Homberg says.
What they're saying: "We feel very strongly that we're going to come through this transition and we're stepping up," he says. "Despite the challenges of the moment, we're very determined, and I think we're optimistic about the potential for the station to continue to grow."
State of play: Detroit PBS strives to highlight the city's arts and culture while focusing on five pillars: kids, culture, leadership, energy, and health.
- Its programs include "American Black Journal" and "Great Lakes Now."
Follow the money: Detroit PBS will see a $3 million cut in October — equal to about 13% of the organization's budget — as a result of Congress' public news funding cuts this month.
- After Congress' vote, the station offered buyouts, and nine workers accepted.
Zoom out: WDET, the city's NPR station, is also facing a "giant hole" in its budget after Congress' cuts.
What's next: WDET and Detroit PBS are seeking donations to fill in the federal funding gap.