In July 2025, the United States government ended all direct federal funding of public media through the Rescissions Act of 2025, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This caused an uproar from broadcasting companies, including the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) and their supporters. President Donald Trump removed 9 billion dollars in funding with his recession bill, with 1.1 billion dollars taken from public media. The House of Representatives passed the bill by a 216-213 vote and it was then signed into law by President Trump.
PBS, a private nonprofit organization, produces historical documentaries, child development education videos, science-related programs, and more. Some of their most popular productions include “Wild Kratts,” “Sesame Street,” “The Magic School Bus,” and “Downton Abbey.”
Senior Walt Novosardian does not frequently watch news programs, but appreciates the information and channels supported by PBS.
“If you defund PBS, that restricts the media sources now available to the public, which inadvertently ensures that we use other news sources that the government wants us to use,” Novosardian said. “[It] feels like we’re in a bit of a dystopian state where I feel like the news sources that I am currently accessing could disappear any day.”
On July 17, 2025, President and CEO of PBS Paula Kerger released statements to the public addressing the concerns of people who rely on PBS as a source of critical information.
“These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas,” Kerger said. “Many of our stations which provide access to free unique local programming and emergency alerts will now be forced to make hard decisions in the weeks and months ahead.”
President Trump’s administration stated in their Executive Order that “the CPB Board shall cease direct funding to NPR and PBS, consistent with my Administration’s policy to ensure that Federal funding does not support biased and partisan news coverage.” NPR and PBS have historically received criticism from conservatives for their alleged left-wing bias and overly-liberal point of view.
Senior Eden Zoeckler watched PBS growing up and was confused when she found out that such a big part of her life was suddenly dissolved.
“My first thought was that it was very shocking. PBS was the foundation of my childhood,” Zoeckler said. “I grew up watching and learning from it and it’s very shocking they would cut the funding to something that helps provide education.”
The larger news stations will undergo budget losses, but smaller sub stations and communities are expected to face more dramatic changes. To continue production, PBS has gained funding from private institutions and public donations.
