The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the nonprofit organisation charged by the US Congress with funding public media, has formally voted to dissolve itself after nearly six decades of operation. The decision follows severe federal funding cuts initiated during Donald Trump's presidency and enacted by a Republican-controlled Congress.
The End of an Era for Public Media
On Monday, the CPB's board of directors took the historic step to wind down the organisation. Patricia Harrison, the President and CEO, stated the board faced a "profound responsibility" in making the choice. She explained that the CPB's final act was to protect the integrity of the public media system and its democratic values by dissolving, rather than remaining defunded and vulnerable to further political attack.
The CPB was created by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. Its core mission was to support national networks like NPR and PBS, alongside approximately 1,500 locally owned and operated public television and radio stations. Annually, it distributed around $500m in federal funding to this network.
Political Pressure and the $1.1bn Funding Cut
The dissolution is the direct result of a sustained political campaign against public broadcasters. Former President Trump and his conservative allies have long criticised outlets like NPR and PBS, accusing them of bias. Plans to eliminate their funding were a feature of the right-wing Project 2025 manifesto for a potential second Trump term.
In a memo to Congress last year, Trump argued taxpayers were subsidising organisations that spread "radical, woke propaganda." He later threatened to withdraw support from any Republican who voted against cutting funds. Subsequently, the Republican-controlled Congress slashed $1.1bn in funding from the CPB, forcing it to cease operations in August.
Consequences for Local News and Public Access
The collapse of the CPB poses a severe threat to public media across the United States, particularly in underserved areas. Over half of the 544 public radio and TV stations that received CPB support were in rural regions. This network provided 99% of Americans with access to public media, often serving as a vital news source in "news deserts" where local newspapers have shut down.
In response to the funding crisis, a wave of "rage-giving" has seen donors contribute $70m to public broadcasters over the past year. However, analysts warn this may not be enough. One estimate suggests 15% of local stations are at risk of closing within three years due to the loss of federal money.
Despite the bleak outlook, Ruby Calvert, Chair of the CPB's board, expressed hope for the future. She stated she is "convinced that public media will survive, and that a new Congress will address public media’s role in our country because it is critical to our children’s education, our history, culture and democracy to do so."
