Washington D.C. – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced on August 1, 2025, its decision to begin winding down operations, a direct consequence of a $1.1 billion rescission in federal funding signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4. This significant cut, part of a broader $9 billion rescissions package targeting various programs including foreign aid, removes all federal support for CPB through fiscal year 2027. The CPB, established by Congress in 1967, serves as the primary conduit for federal funds to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations, as well as national entities like NPR and PBS.
The funding cut follows a long-standing critique from President Trump and Republican allies in Congress, who have argued that public media exhibits a liberal bias and represents an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money. The rescission bill passed largely along party lines, with Republicans prioritizing tax cuts, increased spending for defense and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and cuts to Medicaid. "Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations," stated CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison.
The impact of CPB's closure is expected to be particularly severe for smaller, rural public broadcasting stations that rely heavily on federal grants, with some receiving over 50% of their budget from CPB. These stations often provide critical local news, educational programming, and serve as vital emergency alert systems in remote communities. While larger entities like NPR and PBS have diversified funding sources, the loss of CPB's support poses a substantial challenge to the entire public media ecosystem.
The $1.1 billion cut, previously approved by Congress, was part of a larger $9 billion package of rescinded funds, which also included approximately $7.9 billion from foreign aid programs. The move signals a significant shift in federal policy towards public broadcasting, ending nearly six decades of consistent government support. Most of CPB's staff are expected to be terminated by the end of September 2025, with a small team remaining to manage the final wind-down of operations into January 2026.