WTJX Braces for $1.3M Federal Cut, Freezes Hiring, and Halts Parade Coverage Pending Funding

Facing a potential $1.3 million federal funding loss, WTJX has frozen hiring and paused carnival parade broadcasts after receiving no Tourism support, prompting senators to propose a budget line item to preserve the tradition and ensure continued coverage

WTJX, the Virgin Islands' public broadcasting station, is bracing for the possibility of losing $1.3 million in federal funding—approximately 18% of its budget—due to a proposed rescission in Congress that would claw back appropriated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

According to Tanya Singh, chief executive officer of the Public Television System, the Rescissions Act of 2025—passed by the House of Representatives on June 12—targets CPB allocations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill advanced in the Senate on Tuesday after Vice President JD Vance provided the tie-breaking vote, and is expected to face another tough vote in the House of Representatives.

“Until we know if our federal funding through CPB will be clawed back, and what the impact would be if it is, we have implemented a hiring freeze,” Ms. Singh testified before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance. “I don't want to say destroy, but it would have a catastrophic effect on public media nationwide,” she told Senator Novelle Francis.

Lawmakers responded with concern. “I know $1.3 million is a big hit, and for us to find $1.3 million is going to be a challenge too,” said Senator Hubert Frederick. Senator Carla Joseph called the situation “disheartening,” while Senator Kurt Vialet commented, “It's really sad that so many areas of importance are being cut, from research to educational programs.”