Heinrich, Luján discuss impact of public broadcasting cuts on New Mexico communities

Roundtable highlights challenges faced by rural and Tribal communities following federal budget cuts to public radio and TV stations

Organ Mountain News report

ALBUQUERQUE - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a roundtable on Thursday, Aug. 7, to discuss the impact of federal budget cuts on public broadcasting in New Mexico. The cuts, which have affected public radio and TV stations across the country, are expected to particularly affect rural and Tribal communities that rely on these services for emergency information and local news coverage.

The event brought together leaders from New Mexico’s public broadcasting stations, including:

• Franz Joachim, General Manager of NMPBS KNME-TV
• Michael Brasher, General Manager of KANW-FM
• Jeff Pope, General Manager of KUNM-FM
• Barbara Maria, Manager of KTBD-FM
• Adrian Velarde, General Manager of KRWG-FM and TV
• Porfirio Delgado, General Manager of KENW-FM and TV
• Katie Stone, Executive Director of The Children’s Hour

Senators speak out

Heinrich expressed concern over the cuts, particularly for New Mexico, a state with large rural and Tribal areas.

“I am very much the person I am today because of public broadcasting,” said Heinrich. “To see the current hostility and the funding cuts that we've just experienced in Congress deeply concerns me, especially for a state like New Mexico that is so large and rural, where our rural and Tribal communities depend on public broadcasting for emergency services. From daily news to kids’ shows to emergency alerts, public broadcasting is the lifeblood of our communities. These cuts will have real impacts on peoples’ lives.”

Luján, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, emphasized the importance of public broadcasting.

“Public broadcasting is part of the fabric of life for so many here in New Mexico and across the country. I was proud to join Senator Heinrich and leaders from New Mexico’s public broadcasting stations for a discussion about the educational, informative, and lifesaving emergency communications that public media provides," Luján stated. "Despite the trusted, reliable information public broadcasting provides, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans gutted funding for a service that provides critical information for all New Mexicans, especially in our rural and Tribal communities.

“Hearing directly from our public broadcasters, one thing is clear: public broadcasting is a lifeline for communities in all corners of New Mexico," Luján continued. "As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, I’ll keep fighting to defend and support public media so New Mexicans have access to trusted, local information when it matters the most.”

Efforts to restore funding amid ongoing challenges

The senators have both worked to preserve public broadcasting funding. Heinrich voted against a Senate Republicans' rescissions package that included cuts to public stations and co-sponsored an amendment to restore funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. However, the amendment was not included in the final version of the bill, marking the first time in more than 50 years that public broadcasting funding was left out of the Committee’s bill. Following this decision, CPB announced plans to wind down its operations.

Senator Luján took to the Senate floor to discuss the potential consequences of defunding public broadcasting, particularly in light of recent severe flooding in New Mexico and Texas.

Public broadcasting’s vital role in New Mexico

Public broadcasting stations in New Mexico have long played a critical role in emergency situations, providing essential information during natural disasters like wildfires and floods. The ongoing funding challenges highlight the need for continued support to ensure these services remain available to New Mexicans, particularly in more isolated and underserved regions of the state.

Both Heinrich and Luján have pledged to continue advocating for public broadcasting funding, emphasizing the need to protect and sustain these vital services for communities throughout New Mexico.