KUCO Responds to Loss of Federal Public Broadcasting Funds
July 18, 2025
Classical KUCO 90.1FM, Central Oklahoma’s radio station for classical music and the performing arts, today acknowledged the passage of H.R. 4 by both the U.S. House and Senate, officially rescinding federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This action eliminates a vital source of financial support for hundreds of public radio and television stations across the country—including KUCO.
“While much of the focus has been on the impact of this legislation on national news providers, it has consequences for non-news stations like KUCO that do not carry NPR programming and offer no national political content,” said Jeff Hagy, KUCO general manager.
“We exist solely to serve our metro and rural communities through music, cultural programming and education.”
Each year, KUCO receives CPB support that directly funds syndicated programs such as "Exploring Music," "SymphonyCast," "Pipedreams," "Performance Today," "The Metropolitan Opera" and "The New York Philharmonic." These funds also help cover music licensing fees and sustain KUCO’s operations as the only full-time classical music station in Central Oklahoma.
KUCO’s roots date back to April 4, 1966, and for nearly 60 years, the station has connected generations of listeners to orchestras, opera stages and concert halls around the world—while forging strong local partnerships with Oklahoma’s leading cultural institutions.
“This is a critical moment for KUCO,” Hagy said. “We remain committed to our mission. To continue serving Central Oklahoma at the same level, we will need the support of our community more than ever.”
Listeners, donors and arts advocates are encouraged to visit classicalkuco.org to learn more about how they can sustain KUCO’s service to the community.
Classical KUCO is a community outreach program of the University of Central Oklahoma. Broadcasting at 100,000 watts from downtown Oklahoma City, Classical KUCO reaches over 67,000 weekly listeners across Central Oklahoma. In addition to livestreaming worldwide, KUCO partners with local arts organizations and educational institutions to enrich cultural life in the state.
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