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Congress Pulls $1.1 Billion in Funding for NPR and PBS

NPR vows to keep national broadcasts running after CPB grants were halted for the fiscal year as local stations scramble to replace critical revenue.

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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios

Overview

  • On July 18, the Senate approved a rescission package that eliminated $1.1 billion in CPB funding, halting federal support for NPR and PBS through the fiscal year.
  • Corporation for Public Broadcasting President Patricia Harrison warned many rural and local public radio and television stations will be forced to shut down or reduce services.
  • NPR CEO Katherine Maher pledged to maintain national coverage despite the loss of federal grants but cautioned member stations face immediate coverage cuts and staff layoffs.
  • Former NPR CEO Vivian Schiller described the funding cuts as an opportunity to reset public broadcasting governance and develop independent funding models.
  • NPR Editor-in-Chief Edith Chapin announced she will step down later this year, underscoring a leadership transition amid the funding crisis.