Abstract

Noncommercial radio is an uncommon form of media in modern times. Free access to news and music is rare when commercials, advertising, and paywalls on news sites have become overwhelmingly normal. Public and noncommercial media offers free access to news and entertainment, but has struggled with funding issues and awareness in recent years. WKMS, a station in western Kentucky, is a National Public Radio (NPR)-affiliated noncommercial station that serves a broad, tri-state region. In January 2026, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting ceased operations due to political-based funding cuts, leaving many NPR-affiliate stations with major budget losses. Given the funding cuts, many of these stations have had to downsize or make cuts to programming. In preparation for the cuts, WKMS ran a fundraising campaign and was able to secure a year’s worth of funding in just a few days. WKMS has created a symbiotic relationship with the broader local community through its reliable news coverage, music programming, and partnerships with regional members and organizations.

Year Manuscript Completed

Spring 2026

Senior Project Advisor

Dana Statton Thompson

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Communications

Document Type

Thesis

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