BETHLEHEM, Pa. — PBS39 will broadcast a forum tonight on proposed public media funding cuts and their impact in Pennsylvania and locally.
"A Community Conversation: Broadcast in the Balance" will be broadcast at 6 p.m. on PBS39 from the Univest Public Media Center.
There still are free seats available to be in the studio audience, but registration is required.
There are several ways to watch the hourlong program, including:
Here on LehighValleyNews.com;
Streaming live at 6 p.m. on PBS39.org; and,
On the PBS39 YouTube channel.
Hosted by PBS39 Executive Producer Brittany Sweeney, the show examines the impact a vote by Congress to claw back federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could have on public media outlets.
The cuts were part of an executive order by President Donald Trump. The U.S. House has approved the measure as part of its vote on Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and it's now under consideration by the U.S. Senate.
Among the guests scheduled to participate:
- Katherine Maher, president and chief executive officer of National Public Radio;
- Hasanna Birdsong, president and chief executive officer of Lehigh Valley Public Media;
- Kate Sickora, chief development officer for Pittston-based WVIA;
- Jim Deegan, vice president for news of Lehigh Valley Public Media;
- Margaret McConnell, executive director of WDIY radio in Bethlehem;
- Cate Reifsnyder, director of education for Lehigh Valley Public Media;
- Sarah Meitzler, librarian at Lower Macungie Pubilc Library;
- Scott Garrigan, founder of the Garrigan Foundation.
"A Community Conversation: Broadcast in the Balance" airs from 6 to 7 tonight on PBS39.