Public Broadcasting Corporation to close due to funding cuts initiated during the Trump administration.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a prominent nonprofit organization responsible for distributing federal funding to public television and radio stations across the United States, has announced its decision to initiate a phased shutdown of operations. This development comes as a direct consequence of substantial funding cuts enacted under the administration of former President Donald Trump.

In a statement released on Friday, CPB disclosed that it has embarked on an “orderly wind-down of its operations” in response to legislative actions that will strip nearly .1 billion from its budget. CPB President Patricia Harrison articulated the organization’s predicament, noting the widespread efforts by millions of Americans who rallied in support of preserving federal funding. However, the reality of the situation has necessitated the closure of its operations.

Despite the impending closure, the CPB is set to continue limited operations for the next six months. During this period, staffing will be reduced significantly, with the bulk of its workforce expected to be released by September 30. Following this, a small transition team will remain in place until January 2026 to facilitate an organized and responsible wind-down.

The decision to defund the CPB stems from the passage of the Rescission Act of 2025, which sought to revoke previously approved funding for various federal programs, including public broadcasting. This act was adopted by a narrow margin in the Senate and subsequently approved by the House. Additionally, a funding bill presented by the Senate Appropriations Committee for the year 2026 did not allocate any resources to the CPB, marking a historic first in its nearly five-decade existence of being excluded from such appropriations.

The shift in legislative support can be traced back to longstanding priorities among some Republican lawmakers, with a focus on reducing federal involvement in public media. Historically, there has been a thread of contention between Republican administrations and public broadcasting, starting as far back as the Nixon era.

The Trump administration, particularly during its latter years, emphasized cutting what it deemed excess government spending. Trump has publicly criticized both National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), alleging bias and mismanagement, which has played a role in framing the narrative around public media funding.

Despite the challenges faced by the CPB, Harrison maintains that public broadcasting has served as a vital conduit for education, emergency communications, and community engagement, establishing itself as a trusted institution within American society.

The implications of this funding cut could be profound, as public radio and television have been instrumental in fostering cultural dialogue and disseminating crucial information across diverse communities. The future of public media in the U.S. remains uncertain, highlighting a pivotal moment for civic engagement in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

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