In moments when our community needs trusted information the most, local public media steps in to keep us informed, connected, and inspired. This fall, that trust was met with an extraordinary show of support.
Thanks to our long-standing partnership with the Knight Foundation, Fort Wayne received a significant investment to strengthen two pillars of local storytelling: WBOI and PBS Fort Wayne. As a Knight city, Fort Wayne is one of the communities where the Knight brothers once published newspapers; today, that legacy continues through philanthropy that uplifts local journalism and civic engagement.
When national funding cuts threatened the stability of public media stations across the country, Knight Foundation and fellow national partners stepped forward with urgency. The Community Foundation was honored to serve as the local partner, ensuring that these resources reached the organizations that keep our stories alive.
For WBOI, this support means more journalism—more local reporting, more in-depth features, more voices from across Northeast Indiana being heard. For PBS Fort Wayne, the grant revives beloved local programming, such as PrimeTime, and fuels new productions that celebrate the culture, history, and everyday experiences of people in our region.
Behind each of these investments is something bigger than a grant. It’s a belief that informed communities are stronger communities. It’s a reminder that when national partners come together with local foundations, we can protect the essential services that connect us—not just to information, but to one another.
As Brad Little shared, this partnership ensures our region continues to benefit from trusted news and inspiring local storytelling. It is one more example of how, together, we rise to meet the needs of our community with creativity, connection, and hope.