Phoenix (STN) – The headlines are everywhere. Deep cuts to federal funding are creating budget uncertainty for public media organizations across the country.
At Arizona PBS, leadership chose a different approach: plan early, communicate clearly, and keep moving forward.
Arizona PBS General Manager Scott Woelfel joined the March episode of ‘It Happens at STN’ to explain how the station navigated a significant loss of federal funds, roughly 13 percent of the station’s annual budget, while continuing to produce new programming and serve its audience.
“The strength has come from our community,” Woelfel said. “When we told supporters we had lost the funding, the message was simple: if you value what we do, now’s the time to step up.”
He said Arizona supporters responded in a major way, helping the station stabilize during a difficult transition.
WATCH: PBS Chief Scott Woelfel on leading through budget uncertainty
Preparation also played a key role. Woelfel explained that the executive leadership team had already created contingency plans before the funding decision was finalized.
“We had a reduced-cost budget ready to go,” he said. “So when the funding was lost, we could immediately shift into that plan.”
Those early decisions helped the organization avoid layoffs while continuing to operate and adapt.
But planning alone was not enough. Woelfel emphasized that clear communication with staff was equally important.
“I was very transparent from the beginning,” he said. “Before we lost the funding, we told our team we had a plan. Afterward, it was the same message: trust the plan, and we’ll work through it together.”
Despite the challenges, Arizona PBS has continued to launch new content. The station recently debuted a new season of its Arizona hiking show ‘Trail Mix’d’ with host Kristen Keogh, along with the latest season of the restaurant series ‘Check, Please! Arizona.’
Both programs, Woelfel said, highlight the state’s culture and community while supporting local businesses.
Looking ahead, Woelfel encouraged leaders to focus on preparation, communication, and teamwork when navigating uncertainty.
“Have a plan, communicate it, and get your team invested in it,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”
