The Idaho Falls City Club kicked off its 18th season with a compelling forum titled “When the Funding Fades: Public Broadcasting’s Future,” featuring Jamon Anderson, General Manager and Director of Programming at KISU-FM. The forum, held on September 18, 2025, addressed urgent funding challenges facing local public radio stations after recent federal funding cuts and highlighted essential roles these stations play in communities across Idaho. Jamon Anderson, who has led KISU-FM for six years and brings over two decades of experience in public radio, detailed how the cancellation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s (CPB) congressional funding is affecting programming, operations, and local service. Anderson shared his journey from student volunteer to station manager, emphasizing KISU-FM's commitment to quality news, educational content, and professional development for Idaho State University students. The forum provided an in-depth look at: The impact and scale of federal funding cuts on rural and tribal stations, including KISU-FM, Boise State Public Radio, KIYE in Lapwai, and Idaho Public Television. The role of CPB grants in sustaining local news, emergency alerts, national programming (including NPR and BBC content), and free public service announcements for nonprofits and schools. KISU-FM’s funding structure, including heavy reliance on ASISU student government support, and the pressing need to replace over $130,000 in lost CPB grant revenue. The importance of transparency, diversity, and mission-driven service, with Anderson stressing the station’s dual goal of public enrichment and student professional experience. The future of public media in an era of political division and changing federal policy, and the need for community backing, business partnerships, and sustainable local fundraising. Jamon Anderson invited community members to help sustain local public radio by supporting KISU-FM through donations and underwriting and called for partnerships across Idaho’s public media sector.
