Overview of Code Switch — "How Trump's cuts to public media threaten the first Native American station"
This Code Switch episode (hosted by B.A. Parker) examines the fallout from federal cuts to public broadcasting for KYUK, the oldest Indigenous-owned and operated radio/TV station in the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska. KYUK — based in Bethel and serving 56 Native villages across ~75,000 square miles — lost roughly 70% of its budget when federal support ended on October 1. The episode highlights KYUK’s essential role in everyday life, cultural preservation, and emergency response (notably during Typhoon Halong), and describes how the station is scrambling to stay afloat while downsizing staff.
Key points / Main takeaways
- Federal cuts to public media disproportionately harm rural, Black, and Indigenous-led community stations; KYUK is a prime example.
- KYUK provides critical services (local news, Yupik-language programming, subsistence/fishing info, call-in shows, sports play-by-play, elder-led cultural programs) in a region with no other local outlet and extremely limited transportation access.
- After the funding cut, KYUK reported on Typhoon Halong’s devastation (≈1,400 displaced; homes moved off foundations; National Guard rescues), showing why local reporting is lifesaving in disasters.
- The station later received some federal money (a $1M Bureau of Indian Affairs allocation that had been frozen during a shutdown), state funds, and donations, but still will shrink staff from 10 to 4 in January.
- Community stations like KYUK fill roles commercial media won’t (not profit-driven) and act as lifelines for remote communities.
Station profile — KYUK (Bethel, Alaska)
- Founded on radio in 1971; television in 1972.
- Oldest Indigenous-owned and operated public broadcast licensee.
- Serves the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta: roughly 56 Native villages, >25,000 residents, area about the size of South Dakota (~75,000 sq miles).
- Physical isolation: no road access to Bethel; travel is by river (seasonal) or air.
- High local cost of living (example: a gallon of milk ≈ $15).
Programming highlights (examples and community functions)
- Yupik-language programming and bilingual shows — critical for language maintenance and access.
- Call-in shows: community announcements, subsistence/fishing updates, announcements about local events and schools, and social support.
- Fish Talk: discussions about subsistence fishing, management, and community concerns.
- Icaiutet (Akai Utecht): elder Esther Green leads conversations on life, healing, mental health, and traditional knowledge — seen as community therapy/learning.
- Local sports coverage: basketball play-by-play is a major volunteer-driven program and cultural event.
- Talk Line (English call-in show) — covers everything from policy to tundra flower reports and seasonal berry updates.
Impact of funding cuts & role in disaster response
- Loss of ~70% of KYUK’s budget threatened the station’s ability to operate and serve isolated communities.
- During Typhoon Halong (post-funding cut), KYUK continued on-the-ground reporting: documenting flooding, displaced residents, infrastructure damage, and coordinating local relief awareness.
- KYUK’s broadcasts provide immediate safety information (dangerous ice/river holes, evacuations), coordinate local aid, and maintain social connections when travel is impossible.
Response and current status (as of episode)
- KYUK received $1M from the Bureau of Indian Affairs that had been released after a government reopening; it is also piecing together state funds and donations.
- Community donations, local partner support, and fundraising surged following the typhoon.
- Despite new funds and support, KYUK announced a staff reduction from 10 full-time employees to 4 starting in January — a major operational downsizing.
Notable quotes
- “There is no other local news outlet. A commercial outlet isn't going to be able to set up shop because their mission is turning a profit.” — Kristen Hall, KYUK general manager
- “We are the oldest Indigenous‑owned and operated station.” — KYUK background
- “When it's not safe to travel on our river… we're staying connected to each other. We're keeping in contact with each other through our airwaves.” — on the station’s lifeline role
- “As you learn, you heal yourself. As you learn, you find out about who you are. Healing and learning go together.” — Esther Green (Icaiutet host/elder)
Actions & recommendations (how listeners/readers can help)
- Support or donate directly to community/public stations like KYUK.
- Use platforms like Adopt-a-Station.org to learn which stations are most affected and how to help.
- Advocate for sustained public-media funding with local and federal representatives.
- Subscribe and share community station programming to increase visibility and support.
- When disasters strike, rely on and amplify local media reporting rather than only national outlets.
Why this matters
KYUK’s situation illustrates how federal funding cuts to public media threaten not only programming and cultural transmission, but also community safety and resilience in remote regions. Indigenous-led stations function as more than broadcasters — they are cultural stewards, emergency communicators, and social infrastructure. Losing them creates gaps that commercial media won’t fill.