NPR, CPB Interconnection Funding Feud Resolved

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has agreed to restore a $36 million, multi-year contract with NPR, ending federal litigation in which NPR accused CPB of illegally canceling the deal under pressure from the Trump White House.

The settlement reinstates full funding for NPR’s operation of the Public Radio Satellite System, which distributes programming to more than 1,000 local public radio stations. NPR immediately announced it will waive all satellite access fees for member stations for the next two years, saving affiliates millions of dollars.

CPB had approved the contract on April 2, 2025, only to revoke it one day later after its board chair and executives met with a senior White House budget official who voiced “intense dislike” for NPR. NPR sued in federal court, alleging the reversal violated the First Amendment and CPB’s statutory independence from political interference.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss rejected CPB’s explanations as not credible, citing the abrupt timing and internal emails showing fear of broader Trump administration retaliation. A trial was set to begin later in November until the parties settled on the eve of further proceedings.

The agreement resolves the dispute with CPB but does not affect NPR’s separate ongoing lawsuit challenging a Trump executive order aimed at cutting public media funding. No public statement was issued by CPB; NPR called the outcome a victory for the independence of public broadcasting.