BUDGET CUTS THREATEN LOCAL ARTS COVERAGE

Seattle’s creative heartbeat is about to skip. The City’s proposed budget includes significant cuts to the Seattle Channel, the city-run cable channel that amplifies local voices and broadcasts arts programming. It serves as an essential platform for artists and cultural organizations. For years, the Seattle Channel has been a rare and vital space for local musicians, filmmakers, and creatives to showcase their work, especially in a city where corporate media dominates the airwaves. But with these looming cuts, the ripple effects could hit the arts community hard.

If you’ve tuned into the Seattle Channel, you know it’s more than just another cable channel. It’s a lifeline for local arts and culture, broadcasting everything from live performances and concerts to in-depth interviews with local artists. The channel has been a critical resource for underrepresented voices, ensuring Seattle’s diverse arts scene reaches audiences that might not otherwise have access.

Cuts to the Seattle Channel budget would mean fewer opportunities for musicians, artists, and cultural organizations to share their work with the public. For many, this platform is one of the few options to connect with audiences outside social media algorithms and commercial gatekeepers. The channel has also allowed artists to engage with new and diverse audiences, reaching homes across the city, including those who may not attend live shows or galleries.

This is particularly damaging at a time when venues and galleries are struggling to stay afloat post-pandemic. Many artists are still recovering financially, and losing a platform like the Seattle Channel could silence many voices when we need them the most. Additionally, the Seattle Channel plays a crucial role in documenting the cultural shifts and movements in the city. Without it, future generations may lose access to a record of the creativity and innovation that defines Seattle’s art scene today.

The good news? There’s still time to fight back. Here’s how you can help ensure the Seattle Channel stays alive and kicking:

Contact Your City Council Members: Let them know how important the Seattle Channel is to you and the community. Call, email, or attend council meetings to voice your concerns. Personal stories from artists and art lovers will make a huge impact.

Sign Petitions: Look for petitions from local arts organizations opposing these budget cuts (like this one!). Signing and sharing these petitions on social media can help build public pressure to save the channel.

Join the Conversation on Social Media: Use your platform to raise awareness about the impact of these cuts. Tag your city council members, share your experiences with the Seattle Channel, and use the hashtag # SaveSeattleChannel to get the conversation trending.

Collaborate with Local Arts Organizations: Join forces with other artists, musicians, and cultural advocates to organize and mobilize. Whether through rallies, press releases, or community events, a collective voice can make a big difference.

Support Other Local Media: If the cuts go through, local artists will need more help than ever to amplify their voices. Seek out and support other independent media outlets that cover arts and culture, like The Stranger, which has recently launched a print version specifically focused on arts and culture. Let our city know that our artists matter.

The Seattle Channel has been a quiet but powerful ally for Seattle’s arts community. Its loss would be a major blow to local artists, musicians, and cultural organizations struggling to be heard. As we look toward a future where creative expression is more important than ever, now is the time to stand up and fight for the spaces that make that possible.

Take action today if you love Seattle’s arts scene or have ever benefited from the stories and performances aired on the Seattle Channel. Let’s ensure that our city remains where creativity thrives, and artists have the platforms they deserve.