Post-Inauguration Day developments
A look inside the three key discussions reshaping public broadcasting's landscape
Public media is about to see, as Semafor noted, new political dynamics and funding debates. Institutions like NPR and PBS face a pivotal moment. What do you need to watch first?
In many communities, public media is historically an educational lifeline, delivering critical news, cultural programming and more. Now, the challenge is not only to sustain, but to thrive. It’s also a time to build on our many Plan Bs.
Here are three critical evolutions to watch in the coming months.
Ensuring the best work gets done
A major challenge emerging after Jan. 20 involves public media's role in explaining journalistic processes while amplifying many perspectives. The current political climate might tempt some outlets to retreat from comprehensive community coverage, but this moment demands a deep articulation of public media's mission.
Recent trends in journalism have emphasized transparency – saying not just what we know, but how we know it. Public media must extend this approach to demonstrate why diverse voices and perspectives aren't just ideological choices, but practical necessities for thorough reporting and community understanding. When a rural station interviews farmers about climate adaptation, when an urban outlet explores immigrant entrepreneurship or when national programs examine varying religious perspectives on social issues, they're not checking demographic boxes – they're building a more complete picture of American reality. We can’t assume people understand that, nor can we expect simply making that call won’t have contestations.
I hear back-channel gnashing about explaining journalism and initiatives like NPR’s backstop, but don’t see a ton of benefit. Public media needs to articulate clearly that seeking out varied perspectives is about fulfilling the fundamental journalistic mission of comprehensive coverage. Moreover, public media organizations need to develop more sophisticated frameworks for explaining how diverse perspectives contribute to better journalism and smarter audiences.
2025 might involve more behind-the-scenes content showing how stories come together, more explicit discussion of source selection and clearer articulation of how different community perspectives enhance understanding of complex issues. Day One is going to require us to be responsive in the best ways, and this is one of them.
Local news will need our attention
Another post-Inauguration dynamic to watch is how public broadcasting navigates a complex local news mix. More troubling is the growing public ambivalence toward news, a shift that threatens the very foundation of informed communities. Kate Morrissey is one of the many smart minds reminding us about some of the news requiring our presence.
This convergence arrives precisely when communities need local journalism most. Public media will be pressed to reimagine local news delivery. Already, many organizations are supplementing our traditional coverage by exploring participatory forms of local journalism. Experiments where residents help shape coverage priorities through regular listening sessions and hybrid formats that blend traditional reporting with interactive elements may get more prominent.
Understanding federal debates
The longtime discussion over public broadcasting funding is entering uncharted territory. Defunding attempts have been a constant since the Nixon era. But make no mistake that every FCC licensee may face fresh scrutiny. Brendan Carr, tapped to take over the Commission, suggested in November that how CBS allegedly edited an interview may be raised in a regulatory proceeding. A change by the FCC to review content could be noteworthy.
What makes this moment different? In 2025, we are seeing a confluence of political will and structural vulnerability. With leaders opposed to perceived views being among the louder voices and unanimity of opinion seemingly a central value, traditional defensive strategies – such mobilizing support from rural districts – may prove less effective than in previous decades.
Public media has many allies for this reason, but the federal debates will be crucial to monitor.
Getting ready for Day One
The outcome of these challenges will likely reset not only public media, but the entire American media world. Public broadcasting's unique mandate to serve all Americans with high-quality programming, regardless of market size or demographics, makes its survival particularly crucial for communities with limited access. And the availability of commercial streaming does not close this important gap.
It will be on us as leaders to help all Americans best understand public broadcasting's unique role in American democracy. The coming months will reveal whether these institutions can adapt and thrive in an increasingly fractured environment. 🟢
Cafecito: stories to discuss ☕
New support. Inside Radio reports on the Connecticut Public grant, which supports expanded journalism with partners in Puerto Rico. 📰
Expanding the story. Many outlets reported on the incarcerated immigrants fighting California wildfires. KQED looks into the labor issues raised. 🔍
Voter trends. The National Catholic Reporter covers a new study on the political shifts among Catholic voters, and the representation of Hispanics therein. 📈
Stepping down. Fatima Ramirez, of the publisher of longtime Latino newspaper El Tecolote, has announced her departure. “While it is bittersweet to leave an organization that feels like home, I am proud to have helped Acción Latina and its award-winning bilingual publication, El Tecolote, grow in so many ways.“ 🥂
El radar: try this 📡
Investigate Latinx pedestrian deaths. Pedestrians killed at crosswalks and along roadways is gaining increased attention. WTTW recently dug into the data around Black and Hispanic pedestrians in Chicago. Perhaps similar information is being collected near you. ⛐
Track Latino Studies in local schools. Gothamist had a report on the growth of Latino Studies in New York City schools. While your city/state may not making the kind of investment NYC is, it’s a relevant story to explore. 📖
Keep documenting electoral shifts. Cascade Public Media has a good piece on how a majority Hispanic district stayed red, and potential reasons why. KPBS offers a look at local communities too. 👁️🗨️
See about Latine legislative breakfasts. These traditions involve lawmakers meeting bipartisan groups to share their agendas for the year and talk with constituents. WISH highlights such a gathering in Indiana. 🥛
Cover Internet radio aimed at Hispanic locals. WNIJ reminds us that local streaming platforms — what was called “Internet radio” back in the day — are still popular. One longtime DJ is profiled, but maybe you have area personalities you could engage. 🎤
Ask about the value of Latinx markets. OPB’s piece about plans to rebuild a local market after a fire is a great example of the kind of community these venues create… not just for business owners, but residents who crave a taste of home. 🫙
The next OIGO arrives Jan. 31. It was announced last week, but I was recently tapped to join an AI in Journalism leadership cohort. It just met in New York. I’m honored to join a stellar group of journalists and media leaders trying to navigate the artificial intelligence space with respect to ethics and audience.
During my cohort, I’ll be sharing what I learn in a LinkedIn newsletter I’m calling AI and Public Media Futures. You may also see me collaborate with fellow participants.