PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island's public media entities are sounding the alarm as they expect to lose funding after a $9 billion recissions package was approved by Congress this week.

Pam Johnston, the CEO of Rhode Island PBS and The Public's Radio, released a statement Friday saying the outlets are set to lose "nearly $1.1 million" in federal funding this fall.

"Public media is not a luxury – it provides trusted journalism, life-saving emergency information, and free, high-quality educational programming for every family, no matter their ZIP code or income," Johnston said.

Rhode Island PBS and The Public's Radio announced a merger in late 2023 that was approved by R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha the following year.

Last month, Johnston announced the outlets will be rebrande

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