ON AIR Station Manager Tim Bruno hosts WJFF’s morning show Radio Chatskill in the station’s master control studio. Manor Ink photo
Despite loss of funds, public radio perseveres
WJFF taps other financial resources
By Manor Ink Staff
Liberty, NY – Radio Catskill WJFF, like all public radio stations across the nation, got struck with a quite unexpected blow last year when the Trump Administration decided to end all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which funded local stations. Over $600 million in expected federal funding was ended nationally, greatly affecting WJFF, as about 25 percent of the station’s expenses were covered by federal grants. Manor Ink recently sat down with Tim Bruno, WJFF general manager, to find out how the station has coped with the new landscape.
UNDAUNTED Staffers Ronald Kelson and Kimberly Izar prepare stories for the station’s afternoon news show, The Local Edition. Manor Ink photo
Bruno said the support from the community was “extremely gratifying and encouraging” when the appeals went out to the local listeners after the cuts were announced.
“We were pretty much able to reach all our fundraising goals and preserve our operations,” Bruno said. He cited a significant increase in monthly “Sound Supporters,” those listeners who make automatic monthly contributions of $10 or more. Bruno also said that the station received financial support from the newly established Public Media Bridge Fund, an resource that was formed by various foundations to support public TV and radio stations in rural and underserved media markets. However, Bruno also shared some concerns regarding how this year will play out, “now that the shock is over as there are obviously other important and deserving local groups and organizations that rely on the public’s support.”
The station’s current annual budget is over $880K; it goes toward salaries, licensing of program content, equipment, utilities and other operating expenses. Bruno said his focus continues to be on expanding local news coverage.
“I would love to hire another reporter, if our finances permit it,” he said. Bruno was excited that the station has recently been selected for the Community News Faculty Champions program, with a grant and coaching to develop an academic partnership with SUNY New Paltz students. Also, the station will have a paid college intern to assist with news gathering this summer from the CUNY Newmark Journalism School.
Bruno also encourages the community to help with various volunteer opportunities at the station. Its next major fundraising appeal will be in April, but donations may always be made via the station’s website at wjffradio.org.