PBS, NPR Face $1.1B Federal Funding Cuts After Senate, House Approval

The US Senate and House of Representatives have approved a rescission package proposed by President Trump that cuts $1.1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), affecting PBS and NPR. PBS President Paula Kerger warned that the cuts will significantly impact all stations, especially smaller and rural ones, forcing difficult decisions about programming and emergency alerts. Local PBS stations across the country, including PBS Kansas, Charlotte's WFAE and WTVI, and PBS Appalachia, have expressed concern over potential budget shortfalls and the challenge of replacing lost federal funds, which make up a significant portion of their budgets. Despite accusations of bias motivating some support for the cuts, PBS leaders emphasized their commitment to nonpartisan, community-focused programming. The legislation now awaits President Trump's signature to become law, with Trump having pressured Republican senators to support the measure by threatening to withhold endorsements from dissenters. Stations serving rural and underserved areas are particularly vulnerable, and community support is being encouraged to help mitigate the impact.