PBS Cuts 15% Staff After Federal Funding Loss

PBS is cutting approximately 100 jobs, about 15% of its workforce, due to the elimination of $1.1 billion in federal funding for public broadcasting by the Republican-controlled Congress. This loss, part of a broader $9 billion rescissions package, forced PBS to reduce its budget by 21% and lower dues for member stations. CEO Paula Kerger described the staff cuts as a last resort after other cost-saving measures like hiring freezes, travel restrictions, and paused pay increases were implemented. The funding cuts have also impacted educational programming grants, such as those for Ready to Learn, further contributing to the layoffs. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which traditionally supported over 1,500 NPR and PBS member stations, announced it would shut down due to the funding loss. Advocates and some lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, have warned that these cuts jeopardize vital services, especially in rural areas, where public media plays a critical role in disseminating emergency information.