WGTE and WBGU have announced a partnership to continue PBS programming to the WBGU-TV broadcast coverage area.
Read the full press release here.
Q: What is this partnership between WGTE and WBGU-TV?
A: Beginning July 1, WGTE Public Media will assume broadcasting responsibilities for the PBS programming that WBGU-TV has historically provided to viewers in northwest Ohio. Viewers in WBGU's 19-county area will continue to receive PBS programming on Channel 27 — the same channel they have always used.
Q: Why is this happening?
A: The federal government's closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) earlier this year significantly impacted public broadcasters nationwide, including WBGU-TV. Following the loss of CPB funding, WBGU-TV was unable to sustain its PBS affiliation beyond June 30. To ensure viewers continued uninterrupted access to PBS programming, WBGU proactively partnered with WGTE — northwest Ohio's established public media organization — to take on those broadcast responsibilities.
Q: Will I still be able to watch PBS programming?
A: Yes. PBS programming will continue without interruption for viewers in WBGU's service area. WGTE Public Media will ensure that viewers have continued access to the PBS content they rely on.
Q: What channel will PBS be on?
A: PBS programming will continue to be available on Channel 27, the same channel WBGU-TV has operated on.
Q: Is WBGU-TV shutting down?
A: No. WBGU-TV will continue to operate as a broadcasting unit of Bowling Green State University. Going forward, WBGU-TV will focus on livestreaming university events — including commencement, Falcon athletics, and arts programming — and continue to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in broadcast communications and video production.
Q: What happens to my WBGU membership?
A: If you are a current WBGU member, you will receive direct communication from both WGTE and WBGU in the near future with details about your membership and what this transition means for you. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent process for all WBGU members.
Q: I'm a WGTE member/donor. How does this affect me?
A: Your support of WGTE has helped make this partnership possible. This transition is a direct reflection of WGTE's mission to serve northwest Ohio with quality public broadcasting. There are no changes to WGTE's programming, services, or membership at this time.
Q: What is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and why does its closure matter?
A: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) was a federally funded organization that provided critical financial support to public broadcasters across the country, including stations like WBGU-TV. When the federal government eliminated CPB's funding earlier this year, many public broadcasters — particularly smaller stations — lost a significant source of support. For WBGU-TV, this ultimately made it unsustainable for WBGU-TV to maintain its PBS affiliation.
Q: When does this take effect?
A: The partnership takes effect July 1. Viewers should experience no disruption to their PBS programming.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: For questions about WGTE Public Media, visit wgte.org, at 419-380-4600 or via email. For questions about WBGU-TV, visit wbgu.org, at 419-372-2700 or via email.