Search Here

Public media in the United States is facing its most serious crisis in decades after Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in federal funding.

The move, backed by President Trump and Republican lawmakers, has forced the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to shut down operations and left hundreds of PBS and NPR stations scrambling for survival.

For many stations, the loss of federal support means immediate staff layoffs, canceled programs, and shrinking budgets.

Local affiliates in cities such as Seattle, Charlotte, and State College have already announced cuts, with some warning they may go off the air entirely.

"This funding has been a cornerstone of the public media landscape for nearly 60 years, and the speed of its elimination puts stations at immediate risk," said LaFontaine Oliver, executive chair of New York Public Radio.

The situation is especially dire in rural areas, where stations depend heavily on federal support to operate.

CPB CEO Patricia Harrison warned that without government money, many of these outlets will disappear, CNN reported.

"Those who voted against the wishes of the majority of the American people have taken away something of great value," she said.

KSPS Launches $1.2M Emergency Fundraiser

Some stations are fighting to adapt. PBS affiliate KSPS in Spokane, Washington, launched an emergency fundraising drive to fill an unexpected $1.2 million budget gap.

But the station also reported losing nearly half of its Canadian donors, who pulled support in protest of Trump's policies.

According to CBS News, Hawaii Public Radio raised $650,000 in just weeks, exceeding its fundraising goal after covering the aftermath of the Maui wildfires.

NPR and PBS at the national level are also stepping in. NPR has offered "fee relief" to affiliates, while PBS has cut annual dues by as much as 50% for struggling stations.

Larger broadcasters like New York Public Radio are sharing programs such as "Radiolab" and "Science Friday" for free to smaller stations to ease financial strain.

Despite these efforts, experts caution that donations and philanthropy cannot replace government support.

"The only solution for these stations is going to be government money," CPB board member Diane Kaplan said.

The cuts are already changing the media landscape. Local shows such as "South Dakota Focus," "Almanac North" in Minnesota, and "Headline Humboldt" in California have been canceled, with stations replacing them with national programming.

Advocates fear the loss of unique local voices and community-driven journalism that national programs cannot provide.