WHRO, the Norfolk-based public radio station, will lose $2 million in federal funding following a U.S. Senate vote to slash $9 billion in federal spending on public broadcasting and foreign aid. That amounts to 9% of the station’s $21 million budget, reports VPM News. WHRO serves the same media market as WTAR, which broadcasts The Kerry and Mike Show. — JAB

by Kerry Dougherty

Every weekday morning it’s the same: My alarm goes off at 4 a.m., I jump in the shower, throw on my clothes and head out the door. By 5 a.m. I’m in the studio, doing show prep and getting together drops for that day’s show.

At 6 a.m. we’re in our places, behind our microphones, headsets on when the red “ON AIR” light flashes and The Kerry and Mike Show goes live for the next three hours as Mike Imprevento and I try to entertain and inform our audience. 

Yes, we’re conservative. And lots of companies are eager to market their products to our audience.

Our show is made possible by our sponsors who pay to advertise during our three hours. The Sinclair sales reps hustle all day selling our show to local and national businesses.

Meanwhile, 4.3 miles across town in the WHRO studios, some radio host — I have no idea who — is going through the same motions.

The big difference? His or her show is sponsored in part by taxpayers.