Good Morning,
NPR CEO Katherine Maher told the Medill Local News Initiative she’s not sure public radio should even be trying to get federal CPB funding back, citing the political risk that came with it (Medill Local News Initiative). Strip the hedges and the head of public radio just conceded the federal lifeline. The same week, NPR lays off ten journalists and bought out 18 more (NPR). Meanwhile Nebraska Public Media is launching a dedicated Omaha FM signal on June 15 — local money building what federal money used to (Inside Radio).
Hyperallergic argues that New York’s cultural sector — currently 0.21% of the city budget — should be treated as basic civic infrastructure, and fixed the same as potholes. This is Mayor Mamdani’s clever metaphor for how to fix things (Hyperallergic). Florida’s legislature just appropriated $20 million for the arts, daring Gov. DeSantis to veto it again (Florida Politics). And Arts Council England wrote the RSC a £2 million check for regional touring (British Theatre Guide).
Finally, Margot Wellington, who fought to save Grand Central from the wrecking ball, has died at 91 (New York Times). A reminder that cultural infrastructure is always something somebody had to fight for.
All of our stories below.
Doug
