Strengthening the Future of Public Media in Northeast Ohio & Western Pennsylvania
A Message from PBS Western Reserve & Ideastream Public Media
PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media are joining forces to build a stronger future for public media across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The boards of both organizations have approved an agreement to merge, bringing together two organizations with a long history of collaboration and a shared commitment to the more than 4 million people who rely on them for public media service.
Local news, educational programming, and cultural content continue without interruption across the organizations' PBS member stations, WVIZ, WNEO, and WEAO, NPR programming on WKSU, and classical and jazz music on WCLV and JazzNEO. No layoffs are planned, and every employee has a place in the combined organization.
Over time, the combined capacity of PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media will create opportunities to expand educational offerings, invest in new technology, and reach communities throughout Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and across Western Pennsylvania.
We know this news may raise questions. We've created this page to provide the facts, explain the process, and keep our communities informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media have signed an agreement to merge, bringing the two organizations together to serve Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Both organizations' boards were actively involved throughout this process and have come together to form one combined board reflecting the full range of communities we serve. Once the transaction is complete, the combined organization will operate as Ideastream Public Media.
Will programming and local coverage continue as they are?
Yes. The combined organization continues serving the region through three PBS member stations (WVIZ, WNEO and WEAO), NPR programming on WKSU, and classical and jazz music on WCLV and JazzNEO, and programming, local news coverage and community service all continue without interruption.
What does this mean for members and donors like me?
For members and donors, this merger does not mean any immediate changes. Your support has long been essential to our organizations and to public media, and it will remain just as essential as we bring our two organizations together to sustain and strengthen the programming, local service, and community connections you make possible.
Will jobs be lost because of the merger?
No layoffs are planned. The intention is to retain all existing staff, and every employee has a place in the combined organization. Our people are the heart of the trusted public service we provide every day.
Who will lead the combined organization?
This merger is a true partnership. We have an opportunity to build a leadership structure that draws on experienced people from both boards and leadership teams. Kevin Martin, President & CEO of Ideastream Public Media, will continue in that role. Natalie Pillsbury, President & CEO of PBS Western Reserve, will join the leadership team in an expanded role as Chief Content Officer overseeing news, radio, music, and television programming. A combined board, reflecting both organizations' communities, will govern the organization going forward. More specific details about the structure will be shared as they're finalized.
Did the elimination of federal funding for public media contribute to the decision to merge? How much funding was lost?
Combined, PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media have lost more than $4 million in annual federal funding. Replacing that amount every year presents a major challenge, and neither organization can responsibly expect to place that burden on increasing donor support alone. Through the merger, both organizations are acting to secure long-term, uninterrupted service for this region without relying on that assumption.
Will you maintain a strong local presence in each of the communities you represent?
Yes. Together, our stations and services reach throughout Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Western Pennsylvania, from the region's largest cities to its small, rural communities. Every part of our region remains important to our work, and a stronger combined organization also creates new opportunities to expand educational programming, storytelling, and technology for the region over time.
With the recent surge in giving to public media, why do the organizations still need to merge?
We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, especially the support shown this past year. That giving has been vital to sustaining public media through a challenging time and genuinely exceptional. However, responsible stewardship means planning for the future. The merger adds the long-term financial stability needed to keep serving the community for years to come.
Will the combined organization still rely on donor support?
Yes. Like many public media organizations across the country, we're facing significant financial challenges: the complete loss of federal funding, reductions in state support, rising operating costs, and ongoing uncertainty. Donor support is essential – and will remain essential – to sustaining public media throughout Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Who can I contact with questions about my giving?
For questions regarding PBS Western Reserve donations, contact membership@pbswesternreserve.org or call 330-677-4549.
For questions regarding Ideastream Public Media donations, contact membership@ideastream.org or call 216-916-6116.
What happens next?
Both organizations are working through a closing period, which includes a license transfer filing with the FCC and a merger filing with the State of Ohio. The full transition will continue into 2027.
Your Input Matters
We know you may have questions, ideas, or concerns related to this merger. It will be difficult for us to respond to each individual submission; however, we will review all comments and use your input to help inform our communications, moving forward.
This form is for comments related to the merger of PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media ONLY. Please use the Contact Us page for inquiries related to programming, membership, education services, jobs, sponsorships, and underwriting to ensure your inquiry is processed by the appropriate team member.
PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media are committed to transparency. This page will be updated when we have new information to share with our audiences, members, donors, partners and communities, so you can be informed as we continue our transition.
