WBGU-TV announced a partnership with WGTE Public Media, assuming broadcasting responsibilities for PBS programming viewers in northwest Ohio, effective July 1. This announcement comes after reports in January that the station would would cease its PBS relationship after June 30 due to federal funding cuts.

The federal government’s closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) resulted in a loss of $1.1 million in funding for WBGU-TV, approximately 40% of the station’s budget. The new partnership maintains the program, ensuring a smooth and transparent transition for all WBGU members.

WBGU-TV will continue to provide BGSU students the opportunity of hands-on experiences in learning and producing television, as well as broadcast communications and video production. Going forward, the station will focus on livestreams of university events such as commencement, Falcon athletics and arts programming.

According to statistics released by BGSU, Nielsen data indicates WBGU-TV serves 550,000 people across 19 counties, and 40,000 households.

Previous BG Falcon Media reporting revealed locally produced shows such as “The Journal” and “BGSU Brain Games” would end as a result of the cuts.

WBGU-TV will continue to broadcast on channel 27 and viewers should expect no disruption to their PBS programming.