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The following letter from WFYI President & CEO Greg Petrowich was shared with WFYI donors and stakeholders on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. It has been reproduced here in its entirety.
Dear friend,
I am reaching out to you today to provide an update on the latest developments at WFYI. As someone who has shown unwavering support for public media in Central Indiana, I believe it is important for you to hear this news directly from me.
Let me start by saying thank you for your continued dedication and support. Through your generosity over the years, WFYI has become a cornerstone for trusted journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning here in Central Indiana, delivering free, impactful content across radio, television and digital platforms. While WFYI has never been stronger in terms of the impact we are making in our community, we need your financial support now more than ever. Please join us in supporting WFYI's mission of providing quality programming and serving the public interest. Visit wfyi.org/give today and invite your family and friends to do the same.
Our investigative reporting, such as our coverage on systemic issues in mental health care, Medicaid challenges, and our series on restraint and seclusion in Indiana schools, has not only led to state policy changes but has also inspired legislation. Our newsroom's dedication to uncovering truths was similarly exemplified by our work on cyberattacks in the healthcare sector, which was cited in a United Nations report. Recent recognition in the field of journalism has earned our news team a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and over ten Indiana Society of Professional Journalists awards. Our radio and television programming is wide-ranging, inclusive and free to all, from national PBS and NPR content to award-winning local series and stories focused on topics related to the Hoosier state and the people who help shape our community. Through series like Indiana Week in Review, Simple Civics, Across Indiana, Indiana Lawmakers, Cultural Manifesto and Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we shine a light on local and statewide issues, politics, history, science, influential Hoosier figures, artists and musicians. And nationally, our America Amplified initiative continues to empower public media journalists at over 50 stations in 47 states with the skills and resources they need to ensure listening to their communities is at the center of the reporting process, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
It is because of individuals like you that we have been able to thrive and grow as a public media organization for more than 50 years. WFYI’s membership has surpassed 30,000 and more than half have committed to a monthly sustaining gift. Our philanthropic and corporate partners also remain steadfast in supporting our mission to the community. You continue to give, watch, listen, follow and depend on us and for that I am grateful.
Despite all of this great work, I must also be transparent about the headwinds we are facing. The reality is that WFYI’s financial sustainability has never been more challenged. We are not alone in facing the realities of the evolving media landscape. Buyouts and layoffs are affecting news organizations across the country, from our fellow public media stations and NPR to prominent publications like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and CNN. The changes we're experiencing are not fleeting trends; they represent enduring transformations in our industry. It is evident that these shifts are here to stay and will continue to shape the future of journalism.
In partnership with our Board, we have encouraged our outstanding staff at WFYI to remain vigilant and adaptable during this period of transition. Their dedication will be crucial as we navigate these challenges together.
While there are changes in traditional fundraising models for public media stations, what has not changed is our commitment to remaining good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our community. Your support has always been the bedrock of our organization, and it will see us through these tough times. WFYI is committed to protecting democracy and journalism in the public interest, and we firmly believe our work is crucial for our community, region and country. To continue those efforts, we must turn to our loyal members and fans for support.
Time is not on our side, but we have identified a path forward. Philanthropic investment plays a vital role in sustaining WFYI's mission. Your generosity can help us continue providing the programs and services on which you’ve come to rely. Again, I urge you to consider making an additional gift today at wfyi.org/give and to share this appeal with those who can make a difference.
For those of you who have never made a gift, I hope you will use this moment now to make your voice heard in supporting what you love. Your contribution can make a significant impact in helping us sustain WFYI’s future.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, for listening and viewing, and most importantly, for giving. Together, we can ensure that WFYI remains a beacon of trust and excellence for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Greg Petrowich
President & CEO, WFYI Public Media
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.