Letter from KTNA General Manager Phillip Manning regarding rescission of CPB funds

Dear KTNA listeners, readers, and supporters,

This is a letter I sincerely hoped I would not have to write.  In the early hours of July 18, 2025, Congress approved President Trump’s rescission order. That order eliminates all funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the next two years.

What that means for KTNA is a loss of more than half of our annual budget. While we will pursue alternative funding, this financial blow to the station could threaten our long-term sustainability. 

What exactly the near future will look like for KTNA is to be determined. CPB funds for the federal fiscal year ending in September have already been distributed to stations. The Board of Directors and I will work together to attempt to find a sustainable path forward. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to adequately plan for such a massive loss in funding. 

Part of that plan will include coming to you, our listeners, for additional financial support. We are extremely grateful to our members and donors. It is because of your generosity that we have the reserves to allow us to continue our work while we navigate the loss of federal funding.

While the future is uncertain, our mission has not changed. We will continue to enrich the communities of the Upper Susitna Valley through informational and cultural programming. The staff, board members, and volunteers of KTNA are here because we care deeply about the communities we serve. That has also not changed.

I want to thank all of you who listen to, support, and advocate for us in these difficult times.

Thanks for listening, and take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Phillip Manning

General Manager – KTNA