The Future of Classical Music on the Airwaves: A Cautionary Tale

May 1st, 2025

This article has been updated since the release of the May 1, 2025 Executive Order regarding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

KVNO is proud to be Omaha’s classical music station. We believe in the power of music to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. Every day, we provide 24 hours of thoughtful, beautiful programming—featuring local performances, in-depth arts coverage, and world-class broadcasts from around the globe. It’s your support that makes this possible, and we are deeply grateful. I want you to know, personally and sincerely, that no matter what challenges may arise, our dedication to this mission remains unwavering. 

You may have recently seen headlines about the potential elimination of federal funding for public media. This critical support is administered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a publicly funded nonprofit established in 1967 to ensure universal access to high-quality, non-commercial programming on radio and television. These grants are awarded directly to stations, with strict guidelines for usage and rigorous financial accountability required to qualify. 

While much of the national conversation has centered on NPR (radio) and PBS (television) news content, it’s important to recognize that the impact extends well beyond those platforms. At KVNO, we air only one NPR program—From the Top, a classical music show featuring young musicians. Nevertheless, we would also lose our (CPB) funding, which accounts for approximately 10% of our annual budget. Although Congress has authorized CPB funding through 2027, the federal government is now threatening to withhold all future grants—including those already approved but not yet disbursed. 

What’s at Stake 

Could KVNO continue without CPB funding? Technically, yes. But the loss would be significant. That grant helps cover costs for producing local programs and concert recordings, getting the word out about KVNO, and it offsets the cost of nationally syndicated programming. Without it, we’ll be forced to reassess our priorities—potentially canceling planned initiatives that serve our community—and begin searching for alternative sources of funding. 

Here’s what’s at risk: 

• Loss of Nationally Syndicated Content: Programming from partners like American Public Media (APM) enables us to provide world-class classical music at a fraction of the cost it would take to produce ourselves. Without CPB support, this may no longer be sustainable. 

• Reduced Support for the Arts Community: KVNO is more than a radio station—we are a vital platform for Omaha’s arts scene. Without federal funding, we may have to scale back local talent showcases, live broadcasts, and cultural event promotion. 

How You Can Help 

While we remain hopeful that Congress and the federal government will continue to support public broadcasting, we must prepare for a future where that may not be the case. That’s where you come in. 

Here are four ways you can support KVNO and ensure classical music continues to thrive in Omaha: 

1. Become a Sustaining Member: Monthly contributions give us a reliable base of support. Even $10/month makes a meaningful difference. 
2. Make a One-Time Gift: Every donation—large or small—helps us preserve the music and mission you value. 
3. Spread the Word: Share this message with friends, family, and fellow music lovers. Awareness is a powerful tool. 
4. Contact Your Elected Officials: Let your representatives know that public broadcasting matters to you. Your voice can help protect funding for stations like KVNO. 

A Community Effort 

Classical music has a home in Omaha because of you. Your generosity allows us to bring the music you love to life, tell the stories of our community, and inspire the next generation of listeners. Thank you for standing with KVNO. 

An update regarding the Executive Order signed May 1, 2025: This Executive Order specifically identifies funding related to NPR and PBS. As KVNO only carries one NPR program, it only tangentially affects KVNO’s operations. This information notwithstanding, broader cuts to all public media platforms, including KVNO’s classical music and arts programming, remain a very real possibility, one we take very seriously.