Overview

• The Public Media Bridge Fund, managed by Public Media Company, will provide grants, low-interest loans, and advisory support to vulnerable local stations rather than national networks.
• Initial commitments total about $36.5–$37 million, with organizers seeking up to $50 million this year and targeting disbursement before year-end.
• The MacArthur Foundation also pledged $10 million in separate direct support for stations, programs, and organizations.
• Eligibility criteria are expected in late September, with priority for outlets that relied on CPB for at least 30% of revenue and those serving rural or underserved communities.
• Public media leaders estimate roughly $100 million over two years is needed to prevent widespread closures, citing assessments that flagged about 115 high-risk stations.