KUOW, Seattle’s NPR-affiliated public radio station, raised nearly $1.5 million in less than 12 hours through an emergency fundraising campaign launched on Friday, in response to Congress rescinding $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
The CPB funding, which accounted for about 5% of KUOW’s annual revenue ($1 million), supported critical infrastructure like satellite interconnection and emergency alert systems. The station needed to raise $1.4 million to bridge the immediate funding gap, with the additional $400,000-plus to maintain its satellite distribution system.
By 1 p.m., KUOW had surpassed its $1.4 million goal, with a surge in new monthly donors providing a more stable revenue stream. This rapid response followed Congress’s approval of a Trump administration plan to cut $9 billion in previously allocated funds, including the CPB’s budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
KUOW’s interim general manager, Kerry Swanson, emphasized the station’s role in providing accessible news and information, stating that the cuts reflect a fear of an informed public capable of critical thinking. While KUOW met its immediate goal, it continues to seek monthly donors to ensure long-term stability without CPB support.
The station, operated by KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio under the University of Washington, serves over 400,000 listeners monthly with programs like Seattle Now and Soundside.