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FAQs about Tri States Public Radio Funding

**Updates**

11/5/18-TSPR Funding Updates

10/26/18-Carlson and Faust to Lead TSPR in interium

What?

Western Illinois University has made the decision to cease providing financial support to Tri States Public Radio.  Currently about 50% of the TSPR operating budget comes from university appropriated funds in the form of nine staff positions.

Why?

Western Illinois University, which holds Tri States Public Radio’s broadcast license, is addressing financial challenges and has stated TSPR needs to stand on its own beginning March 1, 2019.

When?

The University will cease to provide appropriated funds to Tri States Public Radio on March 1, 2019.

Who made that decision?

The TSPR staff and the College of Fine Arts and Communications have not been informed of the origin of the decision.

What are we doing about it?

The TSPR staff and Friends Board are committed to finding solutions that ensure that quality NPR programs, local news and diverse music programming are available in our region.   While we do not know exactly what TSPR will look like after March 1, we are working on options and will communicate them as they become available.  We WILL continue to broadcast after March 1, 2019. 

There will be immediate programming changes on September 1. Please view your new programming schedule here.  Additionally, please read the letter from the staff and Friends Board at TSPR.

What about my current donation?

Your donation will continue to support programming on Tri States Public Radio.

What is going to happen to the station?

Tri States Public Radio is NOT ceasing to broadcast, we will continue to provide programming after March 1.  We are actively working to develop options based upon the funding available to us after March 1, 2019.  We will communicate those as they are available.  The best way to help preserve the programming as it is presented now is to donate to your listener-supported station.

What is going to happen to my favorite program?

Tri States Public Radio will be making some programming changes as of September 1, 2018.  The new program can be viewed here. Additional programming changes may occur as future plans take shape. We will communicate those as they occur.  If you are passionate about a particular aspect of our programming please share your thoughts with us.  Your opinion is important as future decisions are made.

What will happen to my favorite host or staff member at the station?

Currently TSPR has 12 full-time staff members, each of those staff members will have to make the appropriate decisions for themselves and their families as this situation unfolds.  Our staff is being paid by WIU until February 28, 2019; beginning March 1, 2019, employees will be paid from funds earned by TSPR.  It is possible that staff reductions will take place, but please know each and every staff member is committed to TSPR and finding solutions. 

Doesn't the station get money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)?

Yes, we receive grant funding from CPB. However, when the University defunds TSPR, our grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be greatly reduced.

How can I help?