Project 2025 is an over 900 page document that lays out the plans for a conservative US administration. The policy discusses securing the border, de-weaponizing the Federal Government, reducing energy prices, how to reduce inflation, and cutting cost to mass media. Yes, that last part is included, however, not getting as much attention as the other hot topics. What does that mean for radio? Let’s take a look.
According to the Mandate, which you can read online, there’s an entire section called “Media Agencies.” This outlines how the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) was formed in 1994, then changed its name to the United States Agency for Global Media in 2018. The USAGM has a budget of just under $1 billion. A few of the “independent” organizations it oversees are Middle East Broadcasting Network, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe, and Open Technology Fund. The book discusses slashing the budget, but for good reason. Many of the employees were found to falsifying information and possibly leaking personal information. This doesn’t directly affect local radio, but the next part does.
According to the doc, President Nixon and every Republican President since, have tried to take away taxpayer funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) went on air during Nixon’s presidency. The CPB funds both. As observed by many, NPR and PBS, each, tend to swing towards a specific party. Their reasoning behind cutting government funding is due to the very evident political beliefs coming from NPR and PBS.
However, some believe the defunding of public media means local news stations could close. I don’t have to tell you there are certain stations who lean a certain way and aren’t shy about speaking their mind on their views. THIS is another reason radio is the number one source for political news. We are taught from day one to NEVER share your political or religious beliefs on air. What would cause an argument during your Thanksgiving dinner with the entire family around the table? Any of those topics are out of the question. Discuss the facts, yes, but not your opinions.
Others don’t see the defunding of those entities as a threat to local radio. States could follow suite, but that’s years down the road.
You can read about the media proposal in chapter 8 of the Mandate for Leadership. As for now, keep plugging away and do radio the RIGHT way.
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