It’s time to take a stand for this trusted public service you rely on.
The White House is expected to deliver a package to Congress requesting the elimination of $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) by April 28. This move would effectively dismantle the public media ecosystem by defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation that supports 1,300 local public media stations across the country, like Michigan Public, as well as NPR and PBS.
This is no longer a warning. It is an active and immediate threat to the system that connects Michigan Public’s statewide coverage to national content, shared infrastructure, and the public funding that supports a free, trusted, non-commercial service in all 50 states.
Michigan Public is the largest nonprofit news organization in the state, with a signal that reaches millions and journalism that connects local issues to the national conversation. From our rural communities to our major cities, we shine a light on what matters: fact-based reporting, the arts, education, civic life, and cultural connection. In moments of uncertainty, we bring people together.
What you need to know now:
- The White House proposal comes after Congress extended federal funding for the CPB through fiscal year 2027 in February. Federal funding for government programs, including support for public media, is currently authorized under a Continuing Resolution. Both the U.S. House and Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend FY2024 federal funding levels through the rest of FY2025, with a few alterations and adjustments. It includes level funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (the two-year advance to FY 2027), as well as Interconnection and the Next Generation Warning System.
- Last year, Michigan Public received 6.5% (over $500,000) of its budget from the CPB.
- The FCC launched an investigation into the underwriting practices of NPR and PBS, and their member stations. In announcing the investigation, the FCC chairman expressly indicated his opinion that NPR and PBS should no longer receive taxpayer dollars.
- The Presidents and CEOs of NPR and PBS, Katherine Maher and Paula Kerger, testified at a Congressional Oversight DOGE subcommittee (Marjorie Taylor Greene R-GA, Chair) hearing on federal funding of public media and bias in content on March 26.
To continue this work, we need you to speak up and step forward. Here's how you can help:
