Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday it will begin winding down its operations after nearly six decades, following a decision by Congress to eliminate its federal funding.
The announcement comes just weeks after President Donald Trump signed a package of sweeping spending cuts, which included rescinding $1.1 billion in funding for the CPB. The legislation was passed by narrow margins despite bipartisan efforts to preserve the funding, particularly from lawmakers representing rural communities where public media remains a critical source of information.
In a statement, CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison called the shutdown “a difficult reality” after “extraordinary efforts” by millions of Americans to save the agency.
“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” Harrison said. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”
The CPB will begin an “orderly wind-down” of its functions, with most staff positions ending by Sept. 30. A small group of employees will remain through January 2026 to oversee the closure. The agency did not disclose how many staffers would be laid off.
Founded in 1967 under the Public Broadcasting Act, the CPB has provided consistent funding to over 1,500 locally owned radio and television stations across the country. Its support enabled the creation and continuation of iconic PBS and NPR programs and helped local stations deliver educational content, cultural programming, and emergency alerts to Americans in even the most remote areas.
Katherine Maher, president and CEO of NPR, called the shutdown “an immediate consequence” of the Trump administration’s budget priorities.
“The ripple effects of this closure will be felt across every public media organization and, more importantly, in every community across the country that relies on public broadcasting,” Maher said. She praised the CPB as “a champion of educational and cultural programming” and a “bulwark for independent journalism.”
The Trump administration has long targeted CPB funding, accusing NPR and PBS of liberal bias. While public media organizations have rejected those claims, the administration pushed forward with funding cuts that many see as ideologically driven.
“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life,” Harrison said. “Providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country.”
Although major national programs are expected to remain on the air through alternate funding streams, smaller local stations may face existential challenges. NPR has warned that the closure of CPB could lead to permanent losses, particularly in underserved areas.
“If a station doesn’t survive this sudden turn by Congress, a vital stitch in our American fabric will be gone for good,” NPR said in a recent statement.
PBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, “PBS NewsHour” sought to reassure viewers on social media, saying, “We will continue our work without fear or favor, as we have for nearly five decades on the air.”
The CPB’s shutdown marks a profound shift in the American media landscape, and its long-term consequences may not be fully realized for years.
