Facing the Future Without Federal Support

The Road Ahead for Classical KING

On July 18, Congress rescinded all remaining federal funds for public broadcasting. This action officially ends decades of bi-partisan support for Classical KING and hundreds of other stations nationwide. While we’ve been preparing for this moment, the impact is real and immediate.

This is a historic shift that eliminates all federal support for public broadcasting, including a $329,000 annual grant to Classical KING. That funding will officially disappear on October 1.

The cuts also comes with new, rising costs—Classical KING must now independently negotiate and pay for music rights previously covered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. These are essential for broadcasting legally, and the exact cost remains unknown.

While we have made our best efforts to prepare, we know that we cannot fill this gap without support from listeners like you. This marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that amplifies the need for our community to play a central role in sustaining the classical music and cultural connection that you cherish.

Below we have outlined what is changing, what it means for Classical KING, and how you can help.

Key Questions

What happened to Classical KING’s federal funding?
Congress eliminated all funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), including Classical KING’s annual federal grant and support for music rights licensing. Funding officially ends on October 1st, 2025.

How much funding has been lost?
We are losing $329,000 in annual grant support. In addition, Classical KING must now pay for music licensing directly, which had previously been covered through national agreements funded by CPB. Altogether these cuts represent 10% of our annual budget.

Why are music rights such a big deal?
Public radio stations are legally required to pay licensing fees to organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SoundExchange to broadcast music. Until now, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has handled and funded these agreements.

Can’t individual stations negotiate their own rights?
Not feasibly. With over 1,300 public media stations nationwide, it would be inefficient—and nearly impossible—for each station to manage its own licensing. We anticipate that a new coalition or third-party entity will emerge to negotiate these agreements on behalf of the public broadcasting sector. Until then, the uncertainty and cost are real and growing.

Could federal support return?
It’s not likely within the current administration. Congressional leaders are advising stations to plan for a future without federal funding, and Classical KING is doing just that.

How much does Classical KING need to raise?
We must grow our Annual Fund by $450,000 in FY26 (which started July 1st, 2025) to cover the loss of federal funding and the anticipated music licensing costs. That’s a 10% increase in total fundraising in just one year.

Why not just cut the budget?
In preparation for the likelihood of these cuts, Classical KING has already been operating on an austerity budget with all non-essential expenses cut. Further cuts would impact core programs and partnerships that define Classical KING’s mission of growing, diversifying, and enriching the love of classical music in our community.

Is Classical KING still making an impact?
Yes, our audience is growing, both on-air and online. We’ve surpassed 250,000 weekly listeners and reached #5 in the Seattle-Tacoma market. We’ve had over 100,000 app downloads in the last year and are forming exciting new partnerships with organizations like the Kraken, Mariners, Seattle Art Fair, and Museum of Flight. Your support fuels this momentum.

 

Your Partnership is Key

Wondering how you can help Classical KING in this critical hour? Here are a few key

• Join as a monthly donor. If you’re already a supporter, consider updating your monthly amount or making a one-time emergency gift.
• Spread the word. Share your story about Classical KING and why it matters to you. Your voice makes a difference.
• Lead with a transformational gift. Contact our Advancement team to learn more about key philanthropic opportunities.

This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. If Classical KING has ever moved you, provided a moment of peace, or offered a soundtrack to your day – this is your moment to stand with your station! Thank you for your care and support.