WABE Axes Arts Show Due To Federal Funding Loss: Reports

ATLANTA, GA — WABE has canceled its arts and culture show after a funding loss due to budget cuts initiated earlier in the year by President Donald Trump, media reports say this week.

Trump scrapped $1.1 billion in government funding, leaving the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the stations it aids to fend for themselves.

Taking a loss will be WABE's "City Lights Collective," a magazine-style, contributor show hosted by Kim Drobes and Jon Goode.

“We’re facing new economics with 13% of our budget gone,” said Jennifer Dorian, president and chief executive officer, to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This does not allow us to have two daily local radio programs. I am sad to end ‘City Lights Collective,’ but we can’t afford to sustain it.”

WABE is holding on to “Closer Look with Rose Scott" and is terminating staff from "City Lights Collective," the AJC reported.

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This is to the dismay of petitioners who are advocating for WABE to alter its decision, according to Rough Draft Atlanta.

The Sun ATL co-founder and director Shawn Vinson has organized an online petition on change.org to save the beloved show.

“If this show has meant something to you, or if you believe Atlanta needs more spotlights on local artists and creative voices, I’d be grateful if you’d take a moment to read my letter and sign the petition,” Vinson said in an open letter to WABE. “Even better, consider reaching out to WABE directly to let them know how you feel about keeping the show alive.”

"City Lights Collective" first aired on July 7 and was a replacement for "City Lights with Lois Reitzes" after Reitzes' retirement in June.

Its final episode will air on Thursday, and WABE has tapped Sherri Daye Scott to fill a full-time arts and culture role to continue its arts coverage, the AJC reported.