Senator Collins Opposes Defunding Public Media, Except for NPR

Later this month, the U.S. Senate will vote on a proposal to rescind $9.4 billion in previously approved funds, which include allocations for medical and foreign aid, global peacekeeping, and $1 billion for public radio and television through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) supports preserving CPB funding for public television and radio stations, such as Maine Public, citing their role in providing popular programming and serving as critical components of the emergency alert system. 

However, she has singled out NPR for criticism, accusing it of a “partisan bent.”

2020 Tweet Photo

Collins expressed concern over NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher’s past actions, including Maher’s 2020 tweet showing her wearing a Joe Biden hat (before her appointment as NPR’s CEO in January 2024) and her use of the word “liar” in response to President Donald Trump. 

“It’s very troubling,” Collins said, arguing that NPR should emulate the “neutral coverage” she believes Maine Public generally provides.

Maine Public, an NPR member station, contributes to national coverage but maintains editorial independence in its newsroom operations.

Noting that NPR receives only about $4 million of the $1 billion in CPB funding, Collins advocates removing funding for other public media organizations from the rescission bill, effectively targeting NPR’s share while protecting stations like Maine Public.

The U.S. Senate faces a decision by July 18, 2025, on whether to approve a rescission bill passed by the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025, to claw back $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public media outlets like NPR, PBS, and over 1,500 local radio and television stations. 

The bill, part of a $9.4 billion rescission package targeting foreign aid and public media, was initiated by the Trump administration and passed the House in a narrow 214-212 vote, largely along party lines, with four Republicans opposing it.