Regents cut funding to Iowa Public Radio

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -

Iowa Public Radio said Friday that the state Board of Regents has pulled its funding amid decreased revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Des Moines Register reported the statewide radio network will lose $875,000 because of the regents’ decision. That represents about 10% of the revenue it expected to receive for the fiscal year that begins July 1, said IPR executive director Myrna Johnson.

Spokespeople for the Regents did not return calls or emails from the newspaper.

“University funding has been critical support that has helped IPR serve citizens in every corner of our state, and its loss will present a financial challenge for us as we plan for the upcoming fiscal year,” Johnson told the newspaper in an email.

Johnson said they are exploring fundraising options to offset the cut.

IPR operates 26 stations across Iowa, reaching about 250,000 listeners, according to its website.