Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Senate Advances $1.1 Billion Cut to PBS and NPR Funding

Paula Kerger says news comprises only 10% of PBS’s schedule to counter bias claims; she warns pulling federal grants would force station layoffs.

FILE – The headquarters for National Public Radio (NPR) stands on North Capitol Street on April 15, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Senate voted 51-50 to advance debate on a rescissions package that would claw back $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie.
  • Republican leaders, driven by President Trump’s call, argue that PBS and NPR exhibit liberal bias in both news coverage and children’s programming.
  • Paula Kerger defended public broadcasting in recent interviews, emphasizing that news represents just 10% of PBS’s schedule and highlighting its educational reach with 13 million website viewers, 34 million YouTube viewers and 41 million game plays per month.
  • Local outlets have begun planning for cuts, with KQED laying off about 15% of its staff and WNYC restructuring roles to explore alternative revenue sources.
  • Public media executives warn that rescinding federal grants could endanger free educational content, community programming and emergency alerts, especially at smaller rural stations.