Atlanta Public Media Organization WABE Raises $1M+ as Federal Defunding Enters Second Year

“WABE Live: Acts for Facts” Marks New Era of Community-Funded Public Media 

ATLANTA — March 31, 2026 — Facing its second year without federal funding, Atlanta’s public media organization WABE isn’t waiting on a rescue; it’s building one. Last week, the NPR and PBS station raised over $1.1 million at WABE Live: Acts for Facts, its inaugural evening benefit, as part of a broader strategy to close a $1.9 million annual gap and become a fully community-funded operation. 

The event, held March 25, was the first of its kind in the station’s 78-year history. It drew 550 supporters, sold out quickly with no general promotion, and featured special appearances by David Brancaccio of Marketplace and Meghna Chakrabarti of On Point, along with a performance by the Indigo Girls, longtime friends of WABE. Local on-air personalities Rose Scott, Bill Nigut, Lisa Rayam and Jim Burress took the stage to illuminate WABE’s public service mission. The evening was pulled together in just four months under the leadership of Event Chairs David Lewis and Danica Kombol, with support from corporate sponsors Georgia Power, Southern Company, Montag Wealth Management, AT&T, Truist, The Coca-Cola Company, SouthState, CIBC and Southwire. 

The fundraiser comes as WABE enters the second year of absorbing the loss of $1.9 million in annual federal funding, roughly 13% of its operating budget, following Congress’s July 2025 vote to rescind funding for public media nationwide. In year one, the station mounted an emergency fundraising appeal and cut operating costs to close the gap. This year, the approach is more proactive: a sustained community engagement strategy built around events, membership, and major gifts. 

WABE President and CEO Jennifer Dorian says, “We are amazed at the momentum – being our first time, we were unsure what to expect. Selling out quickly for this high-end event illustrates the national trend of major donors stepping up in a big way and reflects the amazing Atlanta community mobilizing for WABE, which is critical to our long-term future as we shift to 100% community funding. We are beyond grateful, and we still have work to do to close the gap from federal defunding, so we’ll invite and engage our community throughout the year.” 

Inaugural Event Chair David Lewis added, “Facts are under attack, so this is the moment to support local journalism and public media. This event was a way to bring our community together, to stand up for facts, prevent censorship and build a strong community-funded, independent free press. We’re amazed at the scale of support WABE has received in the first year and we look forward to making this event a key part of WABE’s sustainability into the future.” 

Board member Julie Salisbury, who served as immediate past board chair, puts the shift in broader context: “It’s the new normal for public media organizations. Less government support means more membership, major gifts and community engagement as the lifeblood of the operation. To make that shift, stations like WABE are working harder than ever to reach out to supporters beyond the typical pledge drive, through educational, entertaining and mission-oriented events.” 

About WABE
WABE is Metro Atlanta’s official NPR and PBS affiliate, and the region’s source for original, independent, news and local journalism. For 78 years, we have delivered fact-based, inclusive content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE is 100% independent, non-profit, and committed to amplifying diverse voices in Atlanta. Our programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories accessible and relevant across various platforms for our broad audience. WABE original and national NPR/PBS content is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), WABE-HD channels, and streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, and other major platforms. Go to wabe.org for additional information.

Media Contact:
Tori Druilhet
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