Take a Stand for Classical California - The Trusted Public Service You Rely On
It’s time to take a stand for the trusted public service you rely on every day—for the music that lifts your spirits and the connection that brings our community together.
Right now, public media is facing potential serious and immediate funding cuts that could profoundly affect the programming we provide, including the classical music you count on.
We provide these services freely because public service isn’t just part of what we do—it’s the heart of who we are. Our communities rely on us, and we’re committed to standing strong for them. What’s Happening
At any moment, the White House is expected to send a proposal to Congress calling for the elimination of $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
If approved, this action would dismantle the public media system as we know it—a system that supports more than 1,300 local public media stations, including Classical California, NPR, and PBS.
Why CPB Matters
The CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation, but its role is essential:
It ensures that news, music, educational content, and cultural programming remain
accessible to everyone
—free of charge and free of paywalls.
It acts as a firewall between public media and partisan politics.
It provides critical funding for programming, stations, and technology.
How We’re Funded
Classical California KUSC, is:
80% listener-supported
12% funded by underwriting from corporate and arts partners
5%from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The remainder comes from local foundations and government partners
We are earmarked to lose over $1 million in annual funding.
What’s at Risk
Federal investment in public broadcasting supports:
Music rights management
Satellite and digital interconnection systems
Emergency alert services
Educational programming
Without it, the impact goes far beyond our studios:
Fewer performances on the air
Fewer opportunities for emerging artists
Less promotion for local arts partners
Less classical music for our communities across California and beyond
Why It Matters to You
Your support continues to be our foundation. And today, it’s key to keeping classical music public, accessible, and free for all.
We provide all of this without paywalls, without algorithms, and without compromise—because public service is in our DNA. It's what drives us. It’s why we’re here.
If you've ever been:
Moved by a Mozart symphony on your morning commute
Discovered a new composer during your lunch break
Found calm in the chaos with a quiet cello solo
…then now’s the time to protect that experience.
Take Action Today
Become a sustaining member of Classical California KDFC — or make an additional gift of support.
We’ve always counted on listeners to take care of this community asset. We need you now more than ever.
We will keep you informed as we learn more about the specific impacts on Classical California.
About the CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is not a broadcaster like NPR or PBS. It’s an independent nonprofit created by Congress in 1967 with a critical mission:
To act as a firewall between public media and partisan politics
To fund programming, stations, and technology to keep public media strong and accessible
Fast Facts
CPB funding is budgeted two years in advance to protect it from political interference
Annual appropriation is just over $500 million
Nearly all funds go directly to local stations, including Classical California
CPB ensures 99% of Americans have access to public media
Cost: $1.60 per American per year
What CPB Supports:
Music licensing
Satellite/digital infrastructure
Emergency alert systems
Educational programming
Ways to Support Classical California
For Concerned Citizens
Visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org to contact your legislators
Share why Classical California matters to you
Amplify our stories on social media
Become a member:
Join KDFC
For Current Supporters
Your continued membership is vital— thank you
Consider increasing your support during this critical time
Encourage others to support public media
For Philanthropists & Major Donors
Your leadership giving can bridge potential funding gaps
Partner with us to strengthen community-serving infrastructure
