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Friday, May. 9, 2025

Do Nevada public broadcasters get a majority of their funding from the federal government?

Lizzie Ramirez, The Nevada Independent
no

Public media outlets in the state all individually receive less than 20 percent of their revenue from federal funding. 

Of the two public radio stations, KUNR’s budget consists of 15 percent federal funding, and KNPR’s revenue is 8 percent from federal funding. 

PBS Reno and Vegas PBS are in similar boats. PBS Reno receives 17 percent of its budget from federal funding and Vegas PBS’s budget draws 12 percent from federal funding. 

The majority of their budgets rely on donations, memberships and fundraising events. 

Federal funding helps support local reporters and supply equipment the stations may need. An executive order from President Donald Trump in May 2025 sought to cut the funding.

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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