Cuts Putting The Squeeze on NPR, PBS

The loss of federal funding for public radio and television, primarily through the elimination of $1.1 billion in support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) over the next two fiscal years (2026-2027), has created significant challenges for NPR, PBS, and their local member stations across the United States. 

This funding cut, passed by Congress last, and driven by the Trump administration, affects over 1,500 local public radio and TV stations, with rural and tribal stations facing the most immediate and severe impacts. 

Local Stations: Federal funding accounts for varying portions of station budgets, averaging 8-10% for public radio and 15% for public television, but some rural and tribal stations rely on it for 30-80% or more of their revenue. For example, stations like Allegheny Mountain Radio in West Virginia (up to 65% CPB-funded) and KFSK in Petersburg, Alaska, face existential threats, with closures possible by summer 2026 if alternative funding isn’t secured.

KPCW in Utah anticipates a $264,000 annual loss, KVCR in San Bernardino faces a $540,000 cut (6% of its budget), and PBS SoCal expects to lose $4.3 million. Smaller stations like KEET in Eureka, California (46% federally funded), and KIXE in Chico (42%) are at high risk of shutting down.

National Organizations: NPR receives about 1% of its budget directly from federal grants and 30% indirectly through member station fees, while PBS relies on federal funds for about 15% of its budget. The loss of CPB funding will reduce their ability to support local stations and produce national programming like PBS NewsHour or Morning Edition.

An analysis by Public Media Company identified 78 public radio and 37 public TV organizations at risk of going dark, particularly those relying on CPB for 30% or more of their budgets. Rural stations in states like Alaska, New Mexico, and West Virginia are especially vulnerable due to limited local donor bases.

Stations are already implementing layoffs and reducing programming. For instance, WKAR Public Media in Michigan laid off nine staffers, and KQED in San Francisco announced a 15% workforce reduction. Programming cuts may reduce local journalism, educational content, and emergency alert services, which are critical in rural areas with limited internet or cell service.

Of the 59 tribal radio stations supported by Native Public Media, about 36 rely heavily on CPB funding and face immediate closure risks. These stations deliver news, cultural programming, and Indigenous language content, often as the only local media source. The loss is seen as a threat to cultural preservation, with comparisons to historical efforts to erase Native American cultures.

• NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said NPR’s board made the decision to cut the organization’s own operating budget by $8 million and redirect that money to assist stations, particularly those in rural areas, facing major shortfalls.
• Stations are appealing to listeners and viewers for increased donations, emphasizing their role as trusted sources of news and emergency alerts. For example, KPCW in Utah is urging listeners to become monthly sustaining donors to offset its $264,000 annual loss.
• Larger urban stations like PBS SoCal and KCRW in Santa Monica, with access to wealthier donor bases, are better positioned to raise funds, but rural stations struggle due to smaller, less affluent populations.
• Stations are exploring alternative revenue sources, such as state funding, local government grants, and corporate sponsorships. However, state funding is inconsistent, with some states like Florida cutting support for public media.
• Some stations, like New York Public Radio, are restructuring leadership to focus on fundraising and partnerships. NYPR appointed an executive chair to secure foundation grants and support smaller stations.