How federal cuts will hit San Diego's public TV and radio stations

• The majority of that money is allocated to local member stations, and many are expected to shutter because of these cuts, particularly in rural communities.

Zoom in: KPBS uses the federal funding for operational expenses of its radio and TV station. That includes paying PBS and NPR membership dues for access to nationally syndicated shows, newsgathering and resources.

• More than 2 million people read, watch and listen to KPBS, which will now rely more on financial support from members to fill the budget gap.

By the numbers: Membership and the producers club make up about 32% of KPBS' annual budget.

• 7% comes from San Diego State University, where it was founded in 1960.
• The other 49% is derived from underwriting, major gifts, grants and other sources.

What they're saying: It's "heartbreaking" that this "federal investment in American communities has disappeared," KPBS general manager Deanna Mackey said in an emailed statement.

The intrigue: KSDS Jazz radio station, which broadcasts from San Diego City College, is also threatened.

• It received $214,310 in CPB grants in 2023, according to CPB documents.

Between the lines: This move is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to defund the media industry.

• In May, PBS and NPR sued the administration over Trump's executive order designed to stop all federal funding to the public broadcasters.
• KPBS is financially stable enough to maintain its level of service in San Diego for the next year or two, but losing long-term federal support will impact operations and force difficult decisions, according to the station.