Washington, DC — July 18, 2025
Major U.S. public broadcasting organizations, including PBS and NPR, have strongly condemned the Trump administration's latest budget proposal, which includes sweeping cuts to federal funding for public media. The proposed reductions, unveiled Thursday, would eliminate nearly all federal support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), putting dozens of educational and cultural programs at risk nationwide.
Critical Funding Slashed
The White House budget, submitted to Congress earlier this week, proposes a 97% reduction in CPB appropriations for fiscal year 2026. This move, part of President Donald Trump's broader plan to trim federal spending, would directly impact local radio and television stations, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
CPB President Patricia Harrison, in a statement, called the cuts "devastating for millions of Americans who depend on public media for trusted news, educational programming, and emergency information." The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) and the Public Media Alliance echoed these concerns, warning of widespread layoffs and possible station closures if the budget is enacted.
Impact on Education and Local News
Public broadcasters stress that federal funding is critical for children's programming such as Sesame Street and Arthur, as well as for local news reporting and emergency alerts. According to CPB data, federal appropriations account for up to 50% of annual budgets at some rural stations.
- Educational Content: PBS Kids and other educational resources could face severe cutbacks, impacting early childhood education efforts.
- Local Journalism: NPR affiliates warn that diminished funding threatens independent, local news coverage in communities with few other media options.
- Emergency Services: Public radio and TV stations serve as vital communication links during natural disasters and crises.
Congressional Response
Lawmakers from both parties have signaled opposition to the proposed cuts. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released a bipartisan letter urging colleagues to maintain funding, citing the "essential role of public media in American civic life." Congressional appropriations committees are expected to begin hearings on the budget later this month.
In previous years, similar proposals have faced strong pushback from advocacy groups, educators, and the general public. The 2025 proposal, however, marks the most drastic reduction yet and has reignited the debate over the future of public broadcasting in the United States.
What’s Next?
As the budget process unfolds, public broadcasters and supporters are mobilizing nationwide campaigns to preserve federal support. The outcome will determine whether beloved programs and critical services can continue to reach millions of Americans, especially in remote and low-income communities.
