Boston Radio: Two Public Media Stations Are Open to Talking Merger

GBH's chief executive, Susan Goldberg, has openly suggested merging with WBUR, marking a major shift in Boston's public media landscape following the defunding of public broadcasting by Congress and President Trump.

"I, frankly, think that the moment of a loss of federal funding is the perfect time to reexamine that question," Goldberg said in a Boston Globe interview. "It would make a lot of sense to merge" the two organizations.

In a message to staff, she elaborated: "By eliminating competition for donors and sponsors, and finding efficiencies in the ways we operate, a merged organization could invest even more in journalism, becoming more sustainable and making a bigger impact in the communities we serve. Isn’t that the point of it all?"

WBUR's chief executive, Margaret Low, has pushed back, stating there are "no plans to merge. Full stop." In earlier comments, she emphasized keeping an open mind to collaborations amid industry-wide uncertainty but said "there’s nothing on this front to report" regarding a merger with GBH. In a statement, she added that conversations about navigating these challenges are occurring across the NPR network.

The proposal arises as public media nationwide grapples with the loss of $1.1 billion in federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. So far, GBH and WBUR have weathered the cuts via surges in donations and grants—GBH launched a $225 million campaign and added 40,000 new members—but executives warn the relief may be short-lived. Up to 100 or more stations could face closure, straining the entire network, including major players like these Boston outlets.

Boston remains unusual as one of the few markets with two large public media organizations: both operate NPR news stations and robust local newsrooms, while competing for audiences, donors, and sponsors. GBH stands as the nation's largest PBS television producer, whereas WBUR emphasizes audio content.  Both have expanded into digital platforms like podcasts, newsletters, YouTube, and TikTok.

Historically, leaders—including Goldberg herself two years ago—insisted Boston's educated, supportive community could sustain both. In 2009, GBH ramped up local radio news, intensifying direct competition with WBUR.

While some observers argue multiple outlets provide better audience choice and access—"more is more," as one public media historian put it—others caution that donor and sponsor reliance could erode the noncommercial, community-focused mission.

Federal support previously accounted for only a small share of budgets (8% for GBH, 3% for WBUR), so neither faces immediate shutdown. Still, the funding loss has prompted broader rethinking of sustainability and structure in public media.