WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — NPR and PBS are the next targets for federal budget cuts. The Federal Communications Commission launched a probe into the public broadcasters. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling for the dismantling and defunding of the entities. Victor Hogstrom, presid ent and CEO of PBS Kansas, did not mince words when he said eliminating federal funds would challenge his station. "I think it's horrible for America," said Hogstrom, who has served as President and CEO of PBS Kansas for eight years. "I've worked in commercial and public broadcasting, and I decided I like public broadcasting because it is all about service." To Hogstrom, cutting funding to PBS Kansas is cutting lifelong learning. "It's horrible for the children who watch the wonderful children's programming, educational programming," said Hogstrom. "When you think about PBS Kansas, you think about the arts, culture, music, drama, dance, education, information, all of these wonderful things." Federal funding makes up 24 percent of his budget. "Other public television stations right now raise about 20 to 25% because they get a lot of state support," said Hogstrom. He says cutting funding will be challenging because the station already has to raise money for 74 percent of its budget. "And that is not a small task," said Hogstrom. Hogstrom plans to keep costs down and protect things like equipment. "I mean, when you look at PBS Kansas, all of our local programs and our documentaries, they are just positive for the people and the state," said Hogstrom. Hogstrom says what's next will require hard work, determination, and appealing to the public for greater support. KSN reached out to Kansas Public Radio and did not hear back. ...read more read less