Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Native public media’s uncertain future

After decades of attempts by some political leaders to curtail or end federal funding for broadcasting, public media faces what PBS CEO Paula Kerger says is the most serious threat in its history. President Donald Trump’s order to end funding for NPR and PBS potentially has profound implications for everything from the existence of some rural Alaska stations to Native-language programs on tribal stations (and the continuation of Native America Calling). We’ll get another update on how the fight for public funding for Native American broadcasting is playing out. GUESTS Loris Taylor (Hopi and Acoma Pueblo), President and CEO of Native Public Media Jaclyn Sallee (Iñupiaq), President and CEO of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation Frank Blanquet (Yucatec Maya), producer and director of television for First Nations Experience (FNX) George Strong (Chippewa), general manager of KBFT 89.9FM Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio and host of Rez Rockin’ Radio   Break 1 Music:  Get Up Stand Up (song) Bailey Wiley, Che Fu, King Kapisi, Laughton Kora, Maisey Rika & Tiki Taane (artist) Break 2 Music: Chicken Dance (song) Blackfoot Confederacy (artist) Confederacy Style (album)