Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) today announced that she’s working to preserve funding for the city’s Seattle Channel in response to last week’s release of Mayor Harrell’s proposed 2025-2026 Budget, which reduces Seattle Channel’s funding by $1.6 million and eliminates six full time employees. The city currently faces a $250 million deficit during the next budget cycle. 

“As a dedicated viewer for years, I know firsthand that Seattle Channel programming is a critical public service, supporting the arts, government transparency, and civic life in Seattle” said Council President Nelson. “In an age of media constriction, maintaining this programming is more important than ever. I believe there must be opportunities for less impactful adjustments, and we should start there.”   

The Seattle Channel broadcasts on channel 21 and viewers can also access its content from its website and YouTube. Funding for the Seattle Channel comes from the Cable Television Franchise fee which is in decline, due in part to online streaming. The council’s review of the proposed budget has just begun. Amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget will be reflected in the balancing package released by the Chair of the Select Budget Committee, Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), on Oct. 30.

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