CPB awards $105,000 grant to Blue Ridge Public Radio for Hurricane Helene recovery reporting

This support from CPB is invaluable to our mission of serving the people of Western North Carolina. With this funding, we can continue to provide comprehensive coverage and vital information — freely available with no paywall, for our broadcast and digital audiences. That will aid in the recovery process and help our community rebuild stronger than ever.”

Ele Ellis, CEO and general manager, Blue Ridge Public Radio

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has awarded a $105,330 grant to Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) to support reporting on local and regional recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. The 18-month grant will fund a full-time reporter, editing capacity, travel and equipment.

“We are pleased to support Blue Ridge Public Radio’s efforts to inform local Western North Carolina communities as they recover from this disaster,” said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB. “Rebuilding takes time, and no place is ever the same following a disaster. This grant will help BPR provide essential news and information to and about those affected by Hurricane Helene.”

Public media plays a unique role in communities across our nation. Stations are locally owned and operated, providing them the freedom and flexibility to cover a crisis while it is ongoing and over the long recovery afterward. Decades of developing strong relationships with community partners make local public media a natural go-to for trusted information.

“This support from CPB is invaluable to our mission of serving the people of Western North Carolina,” said Ele Ellis, CEO and general manager of Blue Ridge Public Radio. “With this funding, we can continue to provide comprehensive coverage and vital information — freely available with no paywall, for our broadcast and digital audiences. That will aid in the recovery process and help our community rebuild stronger than ever.”

Hurricane Helene struck the 14 Western North Carolina counties served by Blue Ridge Public Radio in September 2024, causing widespread flooding and mudslides, toppling trees and buildings, wiping out bridges and roads, and killing dozens of people. The storm left tens of thousands without power, water, cell phone or internet service. In the immediate aftermath, BPR, which broadcast government briefings and updates on road closures and availability of potable water, was the source of lifesaving news and emergency information for many people listening to car, battery-powered or crank radios, as well as residents able to receive text-based messaging.

About BPR:

Blue Ridge Public Radio, an award-winning public radio station based in Asheville, North Carolina, serves more than 650,000 listeners in the western part of the state. BPR News provides extensive and trusted local, national and international news coverage and analysis. Its sister station, BPR Classic, provides enriching classical and jazz music. BPR features news and analysis across multiple media platforms, including two weekly newsletters. The station is currently in its 45th year. To learn more, visit www.bpr.org.

About CPB:

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.