By Kristine Weller | KPCW
Independent documentary and film projects in Utah are facing new financial hurdles this year after cuts to federal funding. Funding has always been the biggest challenge in the industry.
Congress recently approved a $9 billion rescission package. The Trump-backed package revoked previously allocated funds, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
The cuts remove all federal support to public media organizations NPR, PBS and roughly 1,500 member stations across the U.S.
Also affected is the Independent Television Service, or ITVS, which uses CPB money to fund and present documentaries on public television. While ITVS President and CEO Carrie Lozano said in a statement the service “remains committed to continuing [its] work,” the cut still makes an impact.
The organization reduced its staff by 20% in June due to funding uncertainty.
Read more at KPCW.org.
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.