The Music Plays On

Navigating federal changes to public broadcasting

These days we cannot take anything for granted. With the change in administration, public media is under threats in a manner never before seen.

We often share that Classical KING is 87% listener supported. We are grateful to you and the broad base of individuals, foundations, and local government that sustains the music. It is also important to acknowledge that 13% of our budget comes from underwriting and federal funding. The federal government also plays a pivotal role in managing music rights for public stations. These elements are each under direct attack and more vulnerable than ever before.

The FCC Chair, Congressional DOGE Committee, and Project 2025 have all clearly outlined their intent to eliminate the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and defund public media. There are three areas of potential impact to Classical KING:

• Federal Funding: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting makes direct financial grants to non-commercial stations like Classical KING. This usually amounts to 6.5% of our operating revenue and is given with accountability for public service, with extensive auditing and evaluation of our effectiveness and reach. The administration seeks to eliminate the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and thereby eliminate this annual grant in its entirety.
• Music Rights: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) negotiates rights and royalties on behalf of grantee stations. This means that Classical KING pays no direct costs for licensing the music we share with listeners. CPB negotiations with labels and studios are done confidentially and in aggregate for all stations nationwide, so we do not know how much they are paying on our behalf. Additionally, there is no other entity that negotiates music rights on behalf of public stations. Should the CPB be eliminated, public stations would need to stand up a new structure for rights management while also absorbing unknown costs for music licensing.
• Underwriting: This is revenue that Classical KING receives in association with on-air recognition provided to local businesses. It typically makes up about 6.5% of our operating revenue each year. The FCC is seeking to change non-commercial station’s ability to allow underwriting, which would not only impact revenue but potentially also harm our ability to promote local performing organizations like Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera.

Key Questions

I thought the scrutiny was focused on NPR and PBS?

The legislative and regulatory framework is the same for all public media organizations. Changing levels of funding and the structure for non-commercial broadcasting will impact the entire sector. Whether a station focuses on music, culture, educational content, or the news does not matter. NPR and PBS may be named directly in the attacks, but Classical KING will be harmed alongside all public stations.

Why is this happening now?

Public media has traditionally found strong bi-partisan support due to its broad reach, locally focused mission, and critical role in the emergency alert system. In its efforts to reshape the nature of American governance, Project 2025 identified public media as a threat to be addressed through changes in regulation and the elimination of funding.

How can I help?

Investigations from the FCC and Congressional hearings are currently underway. While this process unfolds, you can learn more about this threat to public broadcasting at Protect My Public Media. We will keep you informed as we learn more about the specific impacts to Classical KING.

Your steadfast investment in our work, especially with monthly gifts and renewed donations, is deeply appreciated and tremendously important. Should these threats at the federal level come to pass, your generosity will be more important than ever.

Classical KING is honored to stand with you in harmony. The joy and comfort made possible through classical music has stood the test of time. With you by our side, Classical KING will continue to share this great art form with our community for many generations to come.