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Community support is now essential to keep vital, local programming on the air
Cookeville, TN — August 11 — WCTE PBS, your local and trusted public media station for the Upper Cumberland, is facing a critical challenge, and is calling on the community to rise and stand together with us to face the challenge. Following the passage of a federal rescissions package on Wednesday, July 16, WCTE PBS lost $1 million in annual federal funding, a significant portion of the station’s operating budget.
In response, the station has launched “Support Local. Watch Local”, a community-driven fundraising and awareness campaign designed to protect the essential services that WCTE has provided for over four decades. Viewers can tune in August 20, 3-6 and 7-8 pm and become a member during an all day membership drive.
“This is a pivotal moment,” said Avery Hutchins, President & CEO of WCTE PBS. “We’ve been here for our community throughout the years, providing early childhood education, emergency alerts, trusted local content, and respected national programming. Now, we’re asking our community to come together so that we can continue to be here for you. We can come out of this better and strong, but only with your support.”
WCTE PBS has been more than a TV station for 48 years. It’s been a classroom, a warning system, a local stage, and a connection point for communities across the rural Upper Cumberland and Tennessee. From beloved PBS KIDS programming that prepares young learners for school, to in-depth local specials and documentaries, WCTE delivers free, educational, and culturally rich programming that reflects the people it serves.
Even in today’s digital age, WCTE remains a lifeline, especially for families without reliable internet access or educational resources. When schools closed for COVID, WCTE was there. When storms struck, WCTE kept the community informed. And every day, WCTE shines a spotlight on the region’s people, history, and future.
This campaign is not just about dollars. It’s about maintaining a community asset that belongs to everyone. By standing together, this community can keep WCTE PBS strong, not just surviving, but thriving. We know you will agree this work must continue.
“Our viewers have always been our greatest partners,” said Hutchins. “Your donation doesn’t just keep the lights on, it fuels educational impact, local jobs, and trusted information for families across our region.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new viewer, now is the time to act. Membership gives you access to WCTE PBS Passport, the on-demand version of Netflix, but all PBS programming. The database of content includes extended releases and sometimes early releases of some of your most favorite programs.
Every gift counts. Every voice matters. And every show you love is made possible by people like you. To become a member today visit wcte.org/donate or just give us a call 931-528-2222.
Founded in 1978, WCTE PBS serves the Upper Cumberland region as a nonprofit, noncommercial PBS station committed to lifelong learning, public service, and community connection. Through trusted educational content, public safety alerts, and award-winning local productions, WCTE PBS reaches more than one million viewers annually across 14 counties and Middle Tennessee. As the only PBS station licensed in this region, WCTE is proud to be rooted in the community it serves.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, contact Avery Hutchins at 931-528-2222 or ahutchins@wcte.org.
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