Don’t the local stations have to pay for programs from PBS and NPR? That would lead me to donate to my local station (which I do).

Yes, thats what Im leaning toward, but Ive read how PBS and NPR have lost significant funding, so I want them to be able to continue to produce the shows that WHYY broadcasts.

WHYY is the local NPR and PBS affiliate in Philadelphia. :-)

Well, yes I know but as Bbstx mentions, they rent programs from PBS and NPR. They also have some of their own programming. Fresh Air and Radio Times ( now The Connection) both began in Philadelphia. Im addicted to both. Another show that is local is Check Please which showcases three local restaurants. I believe other cities have their own version of the show. I highly recommend it.

Here’s Check Please, Philly ⬅️

I used to participate in the on air auctions. We had a group of go-getters who solicited auction items from various businesses. I also answered the phone with a number of other people live, on air. That was fun.

I guess WHYY gets my money. I listen to the radio and the podcasts more than anything.

It is interesting to learn about the cuts to public TV and radio and who is impacted and how. Many of the large city public broadcasters have lots of other income in addition to gov't funding. They have lots of sponsors, grants, and of course a large base for fundraising. The percentage of their money that comes from the Federal government is a much smaller piece of the pie than it is for small town and rural stations for whom most of their funding comes from the government. It is really sad to learn that in some areas, the public stations are the only source for local news, weather events, emergencies, and many of these places are shuttered because of the cuts. WNYC, WHYY will survive.

I used to love Fresh Air and was once a guest on the program. I've become so disappointed with it in the last decade. Terry does the vast majority of shows on arts and entertainment. She used to be very good at politics and current events. The show allowed for much greater focus and better interviewing than any show I can recall. I am so sad to see how much it has changed.

Check Please started in Chicago. One of the very first episode featured Obama, when he was a State Senator!

I donate to both and maybe if I gave to just one it would have a greater impact. Many of the radio programs that I regularly listened to are closely associated with certain individuals - and since many have retired I find that the new 'voices' don't resonate with me as much.

I really miss some of my old favorites - Car Talk, Garrison Keillor, The Savvy Traveler. My children still fondly recall watching This Old House and The Woodright's Shop on Saturday afternooon and listening to Prairie Home Companion. I've always preferred Marty Moss-Coane to Terry Gross but that's just my opinion.

Maire, I wojld listen to Garrison Keillor on my way to work each morning. Lobed the Tappet Brothers, too. So funny when people tried to make a noise like their car problem. There are a number of programs I like now. I agree about Marty but it seems Tanya Mosley is taking iver more and more for Terri, and Imlike Tanya. The one person I cant stand is Paula Poundstone when she’s on Wait, Wait, Dont Tell Me.

I also never missed the early version of This Old House on PBS.

Kendrah, that is so interesting. Now that you reminded me, I read about public radio in small towns having to close down because of lack of government funding. That is such a loss.

You were once a guest on Fresh Air?? Who are you, hiding behind your screen name? Inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks for the link to Check, Please. Thats such a fun show.

Penn State's Publie Radio (WPSU) has been hit by the cuts too. Initially funded in 1953 it was the only public radio station for central PA. It announced that it will stop broadcasting in June, 2026 but they're working on an agreement with WHYY to stay on the air.