Last night, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that includes a proposal to eliminate all federal funding for public media. While we’re deeply disappointed by the outcome, the fight to protect WXXI and public media stations like ours is not over. The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives — possibly for a vote as soon as tonight. 

We urgently need your voice again. 

Please contact your U.S. Representative right away and tell them: 

➡️ Protect public media funding. 

➡️ Vote NO on this rescission package. 

This funding makes it possible for WXXI to serve our community with trusted journalism, local news, educational programs, and cultural storytelling that reflects the diversity of Rochester and beyond. Without it, our ability to do this vital work is at serious risk. 

Your advocacy has already made a difference—and we need you now more than ever. 

Take action today 

📞 Call your Representative: protectmypublicmedia.org/rsc-calls/ 

On behalf of everyone at WXXI, thank you for standing with us — and for being part of a community that believes in the power of public media. 

All the best,  

Chris Hastings 
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media 

Late last night, the U.S. Senate voted to move forward with a bill that includes a proposal to eliminate all federal funding for public media. The legislation is now actively being debated and could receive a final vote later today. If you are interested in watching the debate, you can watch it live here.

Thanks to support from several key Senators — including New York’s own Senators Schumer and Gillibrand — there’s still a path to stop this. The fight isn’t over. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• The Senate tied 50-50 on advancing the bill, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote to move it forward. 

• The Senate is continuing debate this morning and will likely vote later today. 

• If passed, the bill may go back to the U.S. House of Representatives — possibly as early as this evening. 

What can you do? While our New York Senators have been strong allies, they still need to hear from you. Let them know you value public media and want them to oppose final passage of this bill or support amendments to protect funding. If you have friends and family in other states, encourage them to contact their Senators.

And please also contact your U.S. House Representative — your voice could make the difference if the bill returns to the House for a vote. 

WXXI — and stations like ours across the country — depend on federal funding to bring you fact-based news, educational children’s programming, cultural storytelling, and local reporting that reflects our diverse communities. 

We are so grateful for your support and engagement. Let’s keep standing up for public media, together. 

Take action now: 👉 protectmmpublicmedia.org

All the best,  

Chris Hastings 
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media 

Evan Dawson, host of “Connections” will be taking a little break this summer. But that doesn’t mean “Connections” is going away!

WXXI’s health, equity, and community reporter, Racquel Stephen will be hosting the noon hour over the summer. She’ll bring you the same long-form conversations, in-depth exploration of issues, and variety of content that you’re used to hearing. You’ll also hear some other voices from our newsroom, as well as those of our other colleagues at WXXI. In the second hour at 1 p.m. each day, we’ll bring back some of our — and your — favorite conversations from the show. 

“Connections” airs weekdays from 12 pm. to 2 p.m. on WXXI News (FM 105.9) and streaming live on WXXI News YouTube channel.