PBS CEO Optimistic For Some Public Funding

On Thursday, Paula Kerger appeared at Axios Media Trends Live, an event focused on media industry developments. During the panel, she expressed optimism about restoring government funding for PBS, citing its inclusion in a proposed continuing resolution (CR). 

A CR is temporary legislation Congress uses to maintain federal operations and funding levels when full appropriations bills aren't passed by the fiscal year's start (typically October 1). 

With the 2025 cuts having created a significant funding gap, Kerger highlighted that the draft CR explicitly proposes reinstating or protecting the $1.1 billion for public broadcasting, signaling potential bipartisan momentum amid ongoing budget negotiations.

Paula Kerger

Kerger emphasized PBS's nonpartisan value, noting that polls (such as a March 2025 Pew Research Center survey) show 43% of Americans support continued funding, versus 24% who favor ending it. She described the inclusion as a "positive step" after months of advocacy, including direct outreach to lawmakers like Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), who had previously wavered on cuts. 

"I always have optimism," Kerger reiterated, echoing her comments from earlier interviews, but added that the CR proposal feels like a tangible breakthrough. She cautioned that final approval isn't guaranteed, as the CR must pass both chambers and be signed by the president, but viewed it as evidence that "the will of the American people" is influencing the process.