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Lakeland PBS Shuts Down 10-Year-Old Show 'Lakeland Currents' Over CPB Funding Cuts

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 21:04 GMT by Fox 9

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Lakeland PBS Shuts Down Long‑Running “Lakeland Currents” Amid Federal Funding Cutbacks

In a decision that has shocked local viewers and sparked a broader conversation about the future of community‑focused public broadcasting, Lakeland PBS announced on November 12, 2025 that it will permanently cancel its flagship local affairs program, “Lakeland Currents.” The announcement was made in the wake of the most significant federal funding cuts in the history of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and comes after months of internal deliberations about the station’s financial health.

The Program That Became a Community Staple

“Lakeland Currents,” a 30‑minute weekly show that aired on Saturdays at 7 p.m. on Channel 9, had been on the air for over a decade. The program’s mandate was to provide residents with in‑depth coverage of local politics, culture, public safety, and community initiatives. Its hosts, longtime journalists John Rivera and Marina Delgado, interviewed city council members, school board officials, business leaders, and grassroots organizers, bringing the pulse of Lakeland to viewers who had otherwise struggled to find a local public voice.

Over its run, “Lakeland Currents” won multiple local awards, including the Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Best Local News Program in 2019 and 2022. It also served as a training ground for aspiring journalists, with the station’s internship program featuring segments produced by students from St. Petersburg College and the University of Central Florida.

The Funding Crisis That Sparked the Decision

The root cause of the cancellation is the federal funding cut that the CPB announced in September 2025. According to the CPB’s 2025 budget proposal, federal support for public broadcasting will be reduced by $1.3 billion—a drop of nearly 30 % compared to the previous fiscal year. The cuts, driven by a broader federal agenda to trim “government subsidies,” will affect the 145 member stations that rely on CPB grants to cover a significant portion of their operating budgets.

Lakeland PBS, like many other member stations, receives approximately 25 % of its total operating budget from CPB. In an official statement released on November 12, the station’s president, Lisa M. Hartman, explained the fiscal pressure: “The reduction in federal support has forced us to re‑evaluate every program in our schedule. While it pains us to let go of a beloved community show, we must prioritize the essential services that our viewers depend on.”

The station’s internal analysis showed that “Lakeland Currents” consumed roughly $350,000 annually in production costs—staff salaries, studio rentals, travel, and post‑production. With the CPB cut, the station’s budget for local programming shrank from $2.8 million to $1.7 million. As a result, the decision was made to reallocate resources toward essential news coverage and educational content that could still be produced on a tighter budget.

Community Response

The cancellation has sparked a wave of reactions across social media and local forums. A thread on the station’s Facebook page received over 3,000 likes and 500 comments in the first 24 hours. While many viewers expressed disappointment—“I’ve listened to this show for years and it’s a vital part of our community” (comment from a user, “LakelandNative”)—others voiced understanding of the station’s financial constraints.

In a letter to the editor published in the Lakeland Ledger, local activist Dr. Angela Simmons wrote, “While it is regrettable to lose such a valuable program, we must support the broader mission of public broadcasting. I hope that the station finds innovative ways to keep local voices alive.”

The Path Forward

In the same statement that announced the cancellation, Lakeland PBS outlined its strategy for the coming year. The station will:

1. Reinstate a Revised Local Affairs Segment: The station plans to launch a weekly 15‑minute segment, “Lakeland Focus,” focusing on high‑impact local stories but with a leaner production model. This segment will air every Sunday at 5 p.m. on Channel 9 and be streamed on the station’s website.

2. Expand Digital Outreach: Lakeland PBS will double down on its digital presence, offering on‑demand episodes, podcasts, and interactive social media content to engage a broader audience.

3. Pledge‑Drive and Community Fundraising: The station has announced a “Support Lakeland PBS” pledge drive slated for December, with a goal of raising $500,000 from local donors to sustain essential programming.

4. Collaborations with Local Media: Lakeland PBS is exploring partnerships with local news outlets, such as the Lakeland Ledger and The Tampa Bay Times, to co‑produce content that can share production costs.

5. Focus on Educational Initiatives: The station will also increase its investment in STEM and arts education programming for local schools, continuing its longstanding partnership with the Lakeland School Board.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Lakeland PBS’s decision mirrors a larger trend affecting public broadcasting across the country. According to a report by the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), more than 40 % of PBS member stations are reevaluating or canceling local programs in response to funding cuts. The report notes that while many stations are pivoting toward digital platforms, a core challenge remains: maintaining community relevance while operating within tight financial constraints.

The CPB’s budget proposal is still under review by the Senate. Some senators have called for a “re‑balancing” of the federal public media budget, arguing that public broadcasting is an essential public good. In the meantime, local stations like Lakeland PBS must navigate the difficult balance between fiscal responsibility and community service.

Conclusion

The cancellation of “Lakeland Currents” is a stark reminder of how federal funding decisions reverberate down to local communities. While the program’s end is undeniably a loss for Lakeland residents who relied on its comprehensive coverage, the station’s commitment to adapt—through new digital initiatives, community partnerships, and a focused local affairs segment—shows a willingness to evolve under pressure. Whether these efforts will successfully fill the void left by “Lakeland Currents” remains to be seen, but the station’s transparent communication and proactive planning offer a roadmap for how public broadcasters might navigate an uncertain financial future while staying true to their mission of serving the public interest.