Community Conversation: Broadcast in the Balance

Community Conversation: Broadcast in the Balance explores the looming threat to public broadcasting as the Trump Administration moves to claw back critical funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

This episode features in-depth interviews with journalists, educators, community leaders, and policymakers who highlight the essential role public media plays in civic engagement, cultural preservation, and childhood education. Through real stories and expert insight, Community Conversation: Broadcast in the Balance reveals what’s at stake when public funding is politicized — and what communities stand to lose if stations like PBS 39 are silenced.

Balancing urgency with hope, this show not only examines the policy debate in Washington but amplifies the voices of those on the ground fighting to preserve a public good.

Hasanna Birdsong, CEO, Lehigh Valley Public Media (pre-taped)

Margaret McConnell, Executive Director, WDIY 88.1 FM

Jim Deegan, Director of News, LVPM

Cate Reifsnyder, Director of Education, LVPM

Pete Schweyer, PA State Representative (pre-taped)

Kate Sickora, Chief Development Officer, WVIA

Scott Garrigan, Garrigan Foundation

Guests list as of 6/17/25

This program will be broadcast live from the Univest Public Media Center's Studio A, with opportunity for audience members to ask questions.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Filming begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

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