The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the closest thing the U.S. had to a publicly-funded media outlet, has been shut down following a massive funding cut. This move, spearheaded by Donald Trump and his allies, effectively eliminates a source of trusted news and educational programming for all Americans. The CPB’s demise will be especially detrimental to the approximately 1,500 local public radio and TV stations that relied heavily on its funding. This is part of a larger effort by the right wing to undermine a functional press and consolidate control over media narratives.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the entity distributing federal funding to PBS and NPR, voted to dissolve on Monday. This decision followed congressional defunding efforts spurred by President Trump’s administration, who had accused public broadcasting of liberal bias. CPB’s final act aims to protect public media’s integrity and democratic values, according to President and CEO, Patricia Harrison. Despite the defunding, the board of directors remains confident that public media will survive.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provided funding for local public TV and radio stations, has voted to shut down after Congress eliminated its funding. The CPB, established by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, cited years of political attacks and the risk of future manipulation as reasons for the closure. The organization’s board determined that maintaining a defunded entity would not serve the public interest, particularly jeopardizing the independence of public media. The CPB is currently distributing its remaining funds and ensuring the preservation of its archives, highlighting its commitment to public media’s role in providing trusted news, educational programming, and cultural content.
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In a recent ruling, a federal district court judge determined the White House cannot cease funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Judge Amy Berman declared that the CFPB should continue receiving funds from the Federal Reserve, rejecting the White House’s argument that the agency’s funding source was unavailable due to the Fed’s losses. The case centers on whether the White House could effectively shut down the CFPB through budget manipulation. The court found the White House’s “combined earnings” argument as an unsupported attempt to starve the CFPB of funding and circumvent a previous injunction protecting its employees.
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The Center for American Rights (CAR) has requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) re-evaluate the licenses of NPR and PBS stations. Following the decision to end federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the CAR suggests that the FCC should investigate whether these stations are fulfilling their public interest obligations. The group argues that if NPR and PBS cannot demonstrate a sustainable business model, their broadcast spectrum should be reassigned to other potential licensees. This move comes amid criticism from Democrats, who have condemned the Republican-led votes to eliminate CPB funding.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced it would begin winding down operations due to the elimination of its federal funding. This non-profit organization, which provides funding to public radio and television stations, PBS, and NPR, was targeted by the Trump administration and Congress, resulting in the termination of its funding. The CPB will conclude the majority of staff positions by the end of the fiscal year in September 2025 and a small transition team will remain through January 2026. The decision has raised concerns from NPR and PBS, which receive significant funding through the CPB, and could lead to layoffs, station closures, and reduced emergency alert capabilities, particularly in rural areas.
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The recent attempt by the Trump administration to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds PBS and NPR, has sparked outrage and concern. This action, following a House subcommittee hearing filled with accusations of “sexualizing and grooming children,” is part of a broader attack on public media perceived as politically biased. The proposed cuts would disproportionately impact smaller, rural stations and jeopardize vital educational children’s programming like “Arthur,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and “Molly of Denali.” While the CPB is privately funded and receives only about 15% of its budget from federal funds, the loss of this funding would have a devastating effect on access to quality educational content for children nationwide.
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John Q. Hosedrinker