The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) reversed a $36 million contract awarded to NPR to operate the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) just two days after board approval, triggering a federal lawsuit alleging political interference from the Trump administration.
The CPB board approved the three-year extension on April 2, 2025, but revoked it on April 4 after meeting with White House officials demanding cuts to NPR funding. Court-revealed emails show CPB executives admitting the reversal was to “appease the White House.”
The dispute jeopardizes content distribution to hundreds of local stations, especially rural ones dependent on satellite delivery. A key hearing Tuesday continues the deposition of CPB CEO Patricia Harrison.
NPR insists the original deal was binding; CPB argues the new model better serves smaller stations amid shrinking federal support.