WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a cornerstone of American media for 58 years, will begin winding down operations after losing its federal funding—a move driven by the Trump administration and confirmed by Congress with a $1.1 billion budget cut over the next two years.
The loss of federal appropriations, formalized this week when CPB was excluded from the Senate’s annual budget bill for the first time in over half a century, effectively seals the fate of the organization that has supported iconic programming and local public broadcasting stations nationwide since its founding in 1967.
“This marks the end of a historic era in which public broadcasting played an essential role in shaping America’s cultural and educational landscape,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. Despite massive public outcry—including letters, petitions, and protests—Congress declined to restore funding.
Trump Administration Led the Charge
Former President Donald Trump has long been a vocal critic of CPB and public media more broadly, calling CPB a “monstrosity” and accusing it of promoting what he described as “un-American narratives.” His administration has also targeted and shuttered other public media entities, including Voice of America, and controversially dismissed three CPB board members earlier this year.
In a highly polarized session on Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers made a last-minute push to restore CPB’s funding. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced an amendment to reinstate funds but later withdrew it, acknowledging the uphill battle and vowing to continue efforts to “fix this before there are devastating consequences.” Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) responded firmly: “We litigated this two weeks ago. Adopting this amendment would have been contrary to what we have already voted on.”
Massive Fallout for Local Stations and Cultural Programming
Established under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the CPB has supported over 1,500 public television and radio stations, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Beloved programs such as Sesame Street, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, NPR’s All Things Considered, and Ken Burns’ documentaries were all made possible through CPB support.
Approximately 70% of CPB’s funding has gone directly to local broadcasters, including 330 PBS and 246 NPR affiliates. Without this funding, many stations—especially those in smaller communities—face closures or severe programming cuts. NPR President Katherine Maher recently warned that 96% of classical music broadcasts in the U.S. are delivered through public radio and are now under threat.
CPB has also played a vital role in public safety and emergency alerts, distributing critical information across its vast network. With its shutdown, that communication infrastructure could be severely compromised in certain regions.
What Happens Next
CPB has notified its employees that most positions will end by September 30, the close of the current fiscal year. A small transition team will continue through January to handle final legal and operational matters, such as music licensing and royalty agreements.
In a final note of gratitude, Harrison said: “Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country. We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”
As CPB prepares to close its doors, the loss marks a profound shift in America’s media landscape, one that may have lasting consequences for access to non-commercial, educational, and community-based programming across the country.
