Rescissions Act of 2025 Ends Federal Support for CPB, Triggering a Major Shift in US Public Media

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced on August 1, 2025, that it will begin winding down operations following the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, which rescinded $1.1 billion in federal funding allocated to CPB over the next two fiscal years. This decision marks the end of nearly six decades of federal support for public media in the United States.

Established in 1967, CPB has been a cornerstone of American public media, providing funding and support to over 1,500 local radio and television stations nationwide, including National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Its mission has been to ensure universal access to non-commercial, high-quality content and telecommunications services.

The Rescissions Act of 2025, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 24, 2025, was a significant legislative move that cut approximately $9 billion in federal funding. This included $7.9 billion from international assistance programs and $1.1 billion from CPB. The act passed the House on June 12, 2025, with a narrow vote of 214–212, and the Senate on July 17, 2025, with a 51–48 vote. Moderate Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined all present Democrats in opposing the bill.

CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison expressed deep regret over the closure, emphasizing the organization's commitment to a transparent and responsible wind-down process. She stated, "Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations."

The defunding of CPB is expected to have a profound impact on public media organizations, particularly smaller stations in rural areas that heavily rely on CPB support. While national programs like PBS NewsHour and NPR's Morning Edition may continue for now, the funding cut poses serious long-term risks to smaller broadcasters. NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher highlighted the potential consequences, stating, "The ripple effects of this closure will be felt across every public media organization and, more importantly, in every community across the country that relies on public broadcasting."

Despite the defunding, public support for CPB remains strong. A Harris Poll conducted in July 2025 found that 66% of Americans support federal funding for public radio, with the same share calling it a good value. Support included 58% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats.

The closure of CPB signifies a significant shift in the federal government's role in supporting public media. While there have been previous attempts to reduce or eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting, this marks the first time in over 50 years that CPB has been entirely excluded from federal appropriations.

As CPB winds down its operations, the future of public broadcasting hangs in the balance, with potential ramifications for access to information, cultural programming, and community engagement across the nation.