By Katie Block, Alliance Intern at Wellesley College ‘25
Two of the nation’s most trusted news sources, PBS and NPR, are now facing severe federal funding cuts that could limit their ability to provide critical news, educational programming and local coverage.
The White House is preparing a rescission package that would eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports 1,300 local public media stations across the country.
Most people don’t realize that only 1% of NPR’s direct budget actually comes from the federal government, with the rest supported by members and sponsors. However, this small percentage is crucial for providing high-quality content that isn’t driven by corporate interests. These programs serve as a lifeline to many rural communities, offering children’s programming, local news and investigative reporting that otherwise would not be available.
This isn’t the first time public media has faced these threats. However, the threat is far more serious this time because NPR and PBS have been specifically targeted by right-wing political leaders and billionaires like Elon Musk. The entire public media network will be seriously weakened without federal support.
With these threats, it’s now up to us to protect PBS and NPR. We must demand that Congress maintain funding for these essential public services. Only by speaking up can we ensure that future generations have access to the kind of media that helps our democracy thrive.
Support PBS and NPR! Join the Alliance in signing this petition to urge Congress to keep funding these valuable institutions and ensure that high-quality, educational news and media remains available to everyone.
Politicalizing PBS and NPR is WRONG. These two media sources have had loyal followers for decades and are gaining more annually. PBS and NPR are informational sources providing delightful and compelling content in its purest state, a rarity in current day. Privatizing all further erodes democracy.