Board Decides to Dissolve Public Broadcasting Corporation Following Federal Funding Cuts
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Votes to Dissolve Following Funding Cuts
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) board has voted to dissolve the organization, a decision that follows a significant reduction in federal funding spearheaded by former President Donald Trump last year.
This action was anticipated after the board indicated in August that operations would cease due to the lack of funding restoration. At the time of the announcement, the CPB employed approximately 100 staff members, and a transition team has been managing closure preparations since the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the CPB, elaborated on the board’s decision, stating, “When the Administration and Congress rescinded federal funding, our Board faced a profound responsibility: CPB’s final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks.”
The vote took place during the corporation’s board meeting on December 10, though the announcement was made public earlier this week.
GOP lawmakers had previously voted to rescind $1.1 billion in federal funding designated for the CPB for the upcoming two fiscal years. Established by Congress in 1967, the CPB has historically distributed funds to various public media outlets, including local stations, NPR, and PBS. The organization has noted that around 70% of its funding is allocated to local stations rather than national entities.
As it moves forward with the closure, the CPB will distribute any remaining funds and support the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. In addition, CPB’s own archives will be preserved through a partnership with the University of Maryland.
Ruby Calvert, chair of the CPB board of directors, expressed her dismay, stating, “What has happened to public media is devastating. After nearly six decades of innovative, educational public television and radio service, Congress eliminated all funding for CPB, leaving the Board with no way to continue the organization or support the public media system that depends on it. Yet, even in this moment, I am convinced that public media will survive, and that a new Congress will address public media’s role in our country because it is critical to our children’s education, our history, culture and democracy to do so.”
In a separate issue, the CPB and NPR reached a settlement regarding litigation over a contract for nearly $36 million in interconnection funds. NPR had accused the CPB of withholding these funds in relation to a Trump executive order, which is currently being contested in court. The CPB has agreed not to enforce the executive order unless directed by a judge.
Furthermore, the CPB is moving to dismiss its lawsuit against the Trump administration, which sought to remove board members last spring. In a joint status report filed on Monday, both parties stated, “This case is moot and should be dismissed.”
