Public Media Co transforms into major grantmaker after federal cuts
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 05:32 · Archive
Public Media Co received a $10 million donation to become a grantmaker supporting nonprofit radio stations after federal funding was cut.
Public Media Co, a consultant that strengthens public radio stations, received a $10 million donation from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support its transformation into a major grantmaker. The funding came as the nonprofit celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The shift in role followed dramatic federal action. In June 2025, after CEO Tim Isgitt warned funders that federal cuts could create a 'doom loop' with catastrophic effects on public radio, the House of Representatives voted to rescind all $1.1 billion in Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding that stations were already promised. The Senate followed suit within weeks.
Public Media Co had never been a grantmaking organisation before. Isgitt said the nonprofit 'turned ourselves inside out, hired some staff and became a grantmaking organization' in response to the crisis. The organisation, which had reported $3.42 million in revenue in 2024, rapidly organised fundraising efforts by August 2025 to keep radio stations operating. Isgitt described his 'small, but mighty team' as having significant impact on the sector.
How it is being reported
- Public Media Co’s bridge fund for nonprofit radio stations turns from rescue to reinventionPublic Media Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary with a $10 million donation from the Knight Foundation.Clickorlando · 14 Oct, 05:01
- Public Media Co’s bridge fund for nonprofit radio stations turns from rescue to reinventionPublic Media Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary with a $10 million donation from the Knight Foundation.News4Jax · 14 Oct, 05:01
In this story: Public Media Co · Knight Foundation · Tim Isgitt · Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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