New York Public Radio to Offer Free Programming to Fellow Stations Amid the Federal Shutdown of CPB

In response to the unprecedented threats facing public broadcasting, New York Public Radio (NYPR)—home of WNYC and WQXR—today announced the Station-to-Station Programming Project. This initiative will make its roster of critically acclaimed, nationally syndicated programs—including Radiolab, On the Media, The New Yorker Radio Hour, and Terrestrials, as well as Freakonomics Radio, Science Friday and Today, Explained, which NYPR distributes—available to at-risk public radio stations at no cost.

All stations facing significant financial challenges are eligible to participate in the Station-to-Station Programming Project. For public media organizations receiving 10% or more of their budget from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) (approximately 64% of the public radio system), the WNYC Distribution portfolio will be available at no cost. Larger stations facing challenges will also be eligible to participate on an as-needed basis. NYPR will also extend the program to non-commercial educational broadcasters who were not previously part of the CPB cohort but who provide service to their local communities.

This initiative comes as the CPB prepares to wind down at the end of September, following a $9.4 billion rescission package Congress approved in July, putting the future of more than 1,500 public radio and television stations nationwide in jeopardy. The initiative will allow stations to redirect funds they would typically use to license our programs toward sustaining their vital local operations and reporting. The program is effective October 1, the start of the federal fiscal year, when the CPB would typically begin the process of calculating and distributing station grants.

Freakonomics Radio, Science Friday, and Today, Explained—three independently produced shows that NYPR distributes to public radio stations across the country—have enthusiastically joined the Station-to-Station Programming Project, sharing in NYPR’s commitment to keeping programming accessible by waiving their portion of distribution fees.

To begin, NYPR’s Station-to-Station Programming Project will encompass its current programming lineup and run for one year. NYPR hopes to provide additional time and runway by securing additional funds from major philanthropic donors and foundations—to provide the greatest relief possible to stations as they work to stabilize their funding and revenue models.

WNYC’s roster of nationally syndicated programs include shows produced in-house by WNYC and sister station WQXR, as well as programs it distributes on behalf of outside independent producers, including:

• Radiolab (WNYC)
• On the Media (WNYC)
• Terrestrials (WNYC)
• The New Yorker Radio Hour (WNYC and The New Yorker)
• Carnegie Hall Live (WQXR and Carnegie Hall)
• Freakonomics (Freakonomics Radio Network)
• Science Friday
• Today, Explained (VOX)

“This is a consequential and urgent moment for public media, ” said LaFontaine E. Oliver, President & CEO and Executive Chair of New York Public Radio. “CPB funding has been a cornerstone of the public media landscape for nearly 60 years, and the speed of its elimination puts stations at immediate risk. We want to help our fellow public radio stations devote as much of their budgets as possible to the excellent local reporting and original programming that keep communities healthy and bring them together. Local news is essential to protecting our democracy, and in this moment, we want to do our part to help ensure that all Americans continue to have access to this critical public resource. This project is a meaningful way to provide peer-to-peer support, and we are grateful to our partners at Freakonomics and Science Friday for joining us.”

“I’ve always been proud for our show to be distributed by NYPR, and I’m especially proud of how they are stepping up in this situation,” said Stephen Dubner, Host, Freakonomics Radio. “This is what it looks like to be a leader in tough times.”

“We are undeterred. At a time when scientific discoveries are impacting our lives at the most rapid rate in history, everyone loses if science and news are put behind a paywall,” said Ira Flatow, Founder and Host, Science Friday. “We will not waver in our mission. Science Friday is happy to partner with NYPR to deliver accessible science news to ensure all Americans have access to the science that helps them make the best health, environmental, and tech decisions for themselves and their communities.”

“Providing the public with trustworthy and accurate scientific information has never been more vital. Mis- and disinformation are on the rise; pseudoscience is trumpeted from the highest levels of government; and public trust in science is declining,” said Flora Lichtman, Host, Science Friday. “In this environment, Science Friday’s science news coverage—and our commitment to give the public direct access to scientists—is an essential service.”

The Station-to-Station Programming Project is part of NYPR’s “Stand Together” campaign, which aims to build a financial firewall to protect against the full impact of funding cuts—to NYPR and the broader public media system. The Station-to-Station Programming Project builds on NYPR’s longstanding commitment to station-friendly practices—including not charging affiliation fees and making programming affordable and accessible. With this initiative, NYPR stands with other major public media organizations and distributors who have taken steps to offer financial relief and support to stations across the public radio system at this critical moment.

“We take great pride in our mission and the public interest programming we create—for our local and national audiences, and our partners across the system,” said Emily Botein, Vice President, WNYC Studios. “NYPR isn’t only a producer or a distributor—we’re also home to WNYC and WQXR, two local stations that are deeply woven into the fabric of New York City. We understand what stations need to keep their local audiences engaged as listeners and members, and we want to do all we can to keep that bond strong for our friends and peers across the country—with programming that informs, engages, entertains, and inspires.”