WMKY receives a more than $140,000 media grant

Morehead State Public Radio (WMKY) has been awarded a $140,421 grant from the Public Media Bridge Fund, administered by the Public Media Company.

MSPR is one of only 74 local media stations nationwide selected to receive this highly competitive funding and one of just two radio stations in Kentucky to earn a PMBF award, alongside WMMT in Whitesburg.

The grant arrives at a pivotal moment in WMKY’s history, according to General Manager Paul Hitchcock (Class of 1988).

“After more than 30 years of funding support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the station is preparing to chart a new path forward,” Hitchcock said. “The PMBF award will provide critical bridge funding to help ensure continuity, stability, and long-term sustainability during this transition.”

Funds from the grant will be used to purchase and install a new, state-of-the-art transmitter. The upgraded equipment will improve signal reliability and operational efficiency.

“This will strengthen the station’s ability to deliver trusted news, music, and cultural programming to listeners across the region,” said Hitchcock.

The Public Media Bridge Fund was established to support local public media stations during periods of financial transition, helping them maintain service while adapting to evolving funding landscapes.

Listen to WMKY at 90.3FM, online (www.wmky.org), phone app, or smart speaker.

For additional information, e-mail Paul Hitchcock at p.hitchc@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2334.