Millions of Americans rely on NPR and PBS every day for trusted news and quality entertainment. Now, both institutions are facing a potential crisis after Congress voted to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal funding.

In Utah, the impact is already being felt. KUER and PBS Utah—both housed on the University of Utah campus—are projected to lose nearly $2.5 million from their budgets in the coming year as a result of the cuts.

Still, neither station is going dark.

In response, both KUER and PBS Utah have launched a short on-air fundraising drive—similar to their regular pledge campaigns—seeking immediate support from the community. They’re urging donors to become long-term sustainers or increase their monthly contributions to help offset the loss of federal funds.

“We know that our donors will not be able to completely cover the shortfall,” said Executive Director Maria O’Mara. “We will have some hard decisions to make about cuts in the coming months.”

Local programming makes up a significant portion of the budgets for both stations. That means shows like “The Hinckley Report,” “RadioWest,” “This Is Utah,” and “State Street” could be affected. Other services—such as the production of the Governor’s monthly press conferences, political debates, and community outreach programs like PBS Kids’ literacy and kindergarten readiness initiatives—also face potential reductions or restructuring.

KUER and PBS Utah are also part of a critical network that delivers wireless emergency alerts during severe weather and Amber Alerts. It’s unclear how those services might be impacted.

These public broadcasting cuts are part of a broader $9.4 billion reduction in federal spending aimed at offsetting recently passed tax cuts. The $1.1 billion cut to public media represents just 0.01% of the total federal budget. Every member of Utah’s congressional delegation voted in favor of the measure.