Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB) is realigning its budget following the loss of federal funding. To reduce annual operating costs by $1.8 million, NWPB will discontinue KWSU-TV Channel 10 in Pullman and make additional cost reductions by the end of the calendar year. KWSU-TV began broadcasting in 1962 as one of the first educational television stations in the Pacific Northwest. This difficult decision was made with great care and respect for its legacy, ensuring that NWPB can continue its mission of serving communities across the region well into the future.
In a short video above, WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell and WSU Regent and veteran journalist Enrique Cerna explain the decisions and outline next steps for the station.
Generous support from members, donors, businesses, and community partners since the funding cut has given WSU and NWPB the time to carefully evaluate the station’s budget and develop a thoughtful, sustainable plan that does not rely on federal funding.
Throughout this process, Washington State University, the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and NWPB leadership have focused on preserving essential public broadcasting services for the region.
When KWSU-TV ends operations, Palouse-area viewers will continue to have access to other PBS stations over the air and can also watch NWPB’s Tri-Cities station, KTNW-TV, digitally.
NWPB’s radio network, which serves many rural areas across Washington state and the Inland Northwest, will continue without interruption.
KWSU-TV Closure: What You Need to Know
Why is KWSU-TV Pullman Channel 10 going off the air?
KWSU-TV Channel 10 in Pullman will end operations by the end of 2025 as part of Northwest Public Broadcasting’s plan to reduce annual operating costs. This decision follows the federal government’s rescission of funding for public broadcasting, which removed approximately $2 million in annual grants and services to NWPB.
After careful evaluation, Washington State University (NWPB’s broadcast license holder) and NWPB leadership determined that discontinuing the television service in Pullman is an effective way to align the station’s budget.
When will KWSU-TV stop broadcasting?
KWSU-TV Pullman is expected to end its broadcast operations by December 31, 2025. Viewers will receive on-air notices in advance of the change.
I made a donation recently, will I get my thank you gift?
If you recently made a donation to KWSU-TV to receive a thank-you gift, please know your gift will be fulfilled as promised. NWPB remains deeply grateful for your support, and your thank-you item will still be sent.
What about my NWPB Passport Streaming Service?
The NWPB PBS Passport streaming service is still active for all donors who have an active membership of $5 a month or $60 a year to NWPB. If you have trouble activating your Passport, check your spam/junk email for the activation code. You can also call 1-800-842-8991 or email [email protected] for assistance. For more information about Passport, click here.
What other public TV stations can I access?
Palouse and Spokane-area audiences can still access PBS programming from other regional public television stations such as Spokane Public Television and Idaho Public TV.
What is the future for other NWPB services like the radio stations and KTNW-TV in the Tri Cities?
NWPB’s radio network and KTNW-TV in the Tri-Cities will continue to broadcast and serve audiences. As NWPB moves forward without federal funding, listener and viewer support will play an even greater role in sustaining these vital services. Membership contributions, underwriting, and community partnerships will help ensure that NWPB continues to connect the region with reliable information and shared storytelling.
For membership, donor and programming information, call 1-800-842-8991 and ask for Sarah McDaniel, Sandi Billings, Sueann Ramella or Cara Williams Fry.