“Defunded, not defeated” WTCI PBS hopes to regain funding through a new fundraiser

Bob Culkeen with WTCI PBS shares how the recent government defunding is affecting their programming and invites everyone to help the station by participating in their “Ale tRail” fundraiser.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – WTCI PBS aims for their inaugural “Ale tRail Off the Track Beer Festival” fundraiser to fill in the gaps from losing funding from recent government budget cuts.

Recently, public media stations lost thousands to millions of dollars in funding due to recent federal budget cuts. This includes Chattanooga’s local public media station, WTCI PBS, which lost over $1 million in funding.

To continue their mission of bringing quality programming, services, and education to the local area, WTCI PBS is expanding their annual “Ale tRail” event into a large beer festival. All proceeds from the event will go directly to WTCI PBS. The event will be on Saturday, September 27 at the Chattanooga Choo Choo from 4 – 7 P.M.

Plenty of local breweries will offer an array of craft beers that can be enjoyed while listening to live music by Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers. Tickets are $40 which include a branded sample mug and unlimited beer samples.

To learn more and to purchase tickets or to show your support, visit the WTCI PBS website.