The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) serves as the primary distributor of federal funds to public media in the United States. Each fiscal year, CPB receives approximately $535 million in federal funding, which it primarily allocates through grants to hundreds of public media stations nationwide. These grants are essential for stations to create their own programming or to purchase content from established services such as NPR (National Public Radio) and PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).
Established by an act of Congress in 1967, CPB plays a crucial role in supporting public media initiatives. Occasionally, CPB also provides direct funding to NPR and PBS for the production of national programs. However, a recent order has instructed the CPB board to ensure that stations receiving federal grants “do not use federal funds for NPR and PBS.” This directive mandates the board to “cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law” and to refrain from providing future funding to these broadcasters.
The political landscape surrounding CPB has become increasingly contentious. Former President Donald Trump and his allies have long accused NPR and PBS of promoting progressive viewpoints. This criticism was brought to the forefront during a congressional hearing in March, titled “Anti-American Airwaves,” where the heads of both networks faced intense scrutiny regarding alleged liberal bias. Both leaders, including Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, defended their organizations' commitment to unbiased reporting. “Each month, over 160 million television and online viewers explore the world through our trusted content,” stated Kerger during the hearing.
In response to the ongoing accusations, an NPR spokesperson emphasized that “NPR’s editorial practices and decision-making are independent and free from outside influence.” The spokesperson noted that for over 50 years, NPR has collaborated with local nonprofit public media organizations to address critical news and information needs in American communities. “Millions of Americans depend on NPR Member stations for rigorous, fact-based, public service journalism,” the statement added, highlighting the essential nature of federal funding for public media.
This week, CPB initiated legal action against the Trump administration after it attempted to terminate the positions of three board members. The lawsuit asserts that the White House lacks authority over CPB, as it operates as a nonprofit private corporation rather than a federal agency. This legal battle is ongoing, and the recent order to curtail funding could face similar judicial challenges.
In a recent statement, the White House indicated plans to request Congress to retract funding previously allocated to CPB. In this context, officials cited examples of content they deemed biased, including an NPR article discussing “queer animals” and a PBS documentary featuring a transgender teenager. The administration also accused both broadcasters of exhibiting “zero tolerance for non-leftist viewpoints.”
It is important to note that CPB contributes only about 1 percent of NPR’s overall budget and funds a portion of the numerous stations that license NPR content. Similarly, PBS is owned by its local member stations, which often receive partial funding from CPB grants. According to reports, approximately 16 percent of PBS's funding comes from government sources, with the remaining support derived from donations and sponsorships.
As public media continues to navigate political challenges and funding uncertainties, the ongoing support from Congress remains critical. Kerger emphasized this sentiment recently, stating, “There’s nothing more American than PBS, and our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress.” The evolving landscape of public media funding will undoubtedly be shaped by these dynamics in the months and years to come.
