Latest news with #PaulaKerger
Cedar News
01-08-2025
- Business
- Cedar News
Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Shut Down After Loss of Federal Funding in Trump-Backed Bill
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shutdown Follows Federal Defunding in Trump-Backed Bill The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a critical source of federal funding for public media outlets like NPR and PBS, announced it will begin winding down operations. The decision comes after Congress passed a bill fully rescinding CPB's federal funding, a move strongly backed by former President Donald Trump and his political allies. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutdown marks a significant turning point in the history of public media in the United States, sparking concern among journalists, educators, and millions of loyal public media viewers and listeners. CPB's Role in Supporting NPR and PBS Ends Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shutdown to Impact Thousands Founded in 1967, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has served as a nonprofit corporation that distributes federal funds to more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations across the country. With the shutdown, many rural and underserved communities risk losing access to educational programming, news coverage, and cultural content. 'This is a devastating blow to public media in America,' said Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS. CPB Funding Historically Backed by Bipartisan Support Until recent years, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting enjoyed consistent bipartisan support in Congress. However, growing political polarization and claims by conservative figures that NPR and PBS exhibit liberal bias led to escalating calls for defunding. Trump-Backed Bill Targets Public Media Infrastructure A Victory for Conservatives Opposed to Public Media The bill that triggered the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutdown was part of a broader government spending reform package championed by Trump-aligned lawmakers. Proponents argue that public media no longer needs taxpayer dollars in the age of digital media and streaming services. 'The American people should not be forced to fund biased media platforms,' said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in a statement following the vote. Critics Say Move Silences Independent Journalism Opponents of the bill warn that cutting off CPB funding undermines independent journalism, especially in communities with no access to alternative media sources. They argue the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutdown could accelerate media consolidation and limit diverse perspectives in news coverage. What's Next After the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shutdown? The CPB said it will begin a gradual wind-down of its programs over the coming months. Both NPR and PBS will need to seek private donations, partnerships, or state-level support to continue their operations at current capacity.
Axios
24-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Columbus NPR stations brace for federal funding cuts
WOSU Public Media and WCBE (90.5-FM) in Columbus are among hundreds of local news stations across the U.S. hit by the recent gutting of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Why it matters: The cuts will undoubtedly impact station programming and services after this fiscal year ends Oct. 1, though Columbus' local affiliates haven't identified specifics yet. The big picture: NPR and PBS nationally are mostly funded by nongovernment sources, such as corporate sponsorships and donations, while smaller member stations are more reliant on CPB funding. Zoom in: Ohio's public broadcasting networks received grants totaling over $12.3 million in FY 2023, according to CPB documents. The recent cuts will take away 13% (about $2 million) of WOSU's total budget and 10% of WCBE's (about $134,000), per the two stations. WCBE is particularly unique as it's one of a handful of public radio licenses owned by a school district, Columbus City Schools, and is used for educational opportunities. Threat level: Public stations are often the only local news sources in rural communities amid a steady decline of newspapers. Once a broadcaster is shuttered, it's unlikely its spectrum license ever returns to a community news station, PBS CEO Paula Kerger explained in a recent interview with the Washington Post. "I can imagine they would be auctioned off for whatever purpose and you won't have a local television station again in a community." The intrigue: Research has shown that compared with other Western democracies, like Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom, the U.S. has a less informed citizenry, because its public media is less robust. What's next: WOSU is studying how to potentially realign its resources, which includes 62 full-time employees, and will "keep doing the work that matters to Central Ohio," general manager Anthony Padgett told his staff in a recent interview.
Axios
22-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
WDET braces for budget hit after public radio cuts
Detroit's public radio station is preparing for a "giant hole" in its budget after Congress voted last week to gut federal funding for public broadcasters across the country. Why it matters: Public radio and TV stations don't just provide news, but also critical information alerts that can mean life or death for local communities. Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts and natural disaster advisories are among the public safety warnings that are broadcast on local stations. State of play: The cuts they're facing were included in a sweeping rescissions package to claw back more than $9 billion in federal spending. The bill cut nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) through 2026 and 2027, marking a devastating blow for PBS and NPR. Yes, but: While the cuts target NPR and PBS, the national organizations won't feel much of the impact. Only around 1% and 15% of NPR's and PBS' national revenue comes through CPB, respectively. The majority of federal funding is allocated to local member stations, which use it for day-to-day operations. What they're saying: WDET (101.9 FM) is asking listeners to donate more in light of the recent cuts. "It is a huge kick in the gut to WDET," general manager Mary Zatina told Fox 2. "It's going to create a giant hole in our budget." Follow the money: WDET was among nearly 20 public TV and radio stations in Michigan that received CPB grants totaling $10 million in 2023, CPB documents show. Detroit Public Television got almost $2.2 million, the highest allocation that year. WDET received $262,191. The average CPB amount received that year among 12 Michigan public radio stations from Ypsilanti to Marquette was $201,598. Zoom out: Once a broadcaster is shuttered, it's unlikely its spectrum license ever returns to a community news station, PBS CEO Paula Kerger explained in a recent interview with the Washington Post. "I can imagine they would be auctioned off for whatever purpose and you won't have a local television station again in a community." Many stations are based in rural communities that are most heavily reliant on federal government funding to survive.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Cut Funding To PBS, And Now This "Arthur" TikTok Is Going Viral For Breaking The Internet's Heart
Everyone's inner child is heartbroken after the Trump administration received approval to reportedly cut all federal funding for public broadcasting, leaving programs like PBS in limbo. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said the cuts "go against the will of the American people," in a written statement. "The Senate just approved a rescissions package that goes against the will of the American people, the vast majority of whom trust PBS and believe we provide excellent value to their communities. These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas. 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. There is nothing more American than PBS. Despite today's setback, we are determined to keep fighting to preserve the essential services we provide to the American public," Kerger said. Related: The PBS channel has been home to many popular educational children's TV shows, including the Emmy-winning animated series Arthur, a show about an 8-year-old aardvark who explores real-life issues through the lens of a child and promotes healthy problem-solving and social skills for young kids. Well, the official Arthur TikTok page recently posted a video in response to the news of budget cuts, with the caption: "PBS has been defunded. This isn't goodbye yet." In the clip, the character Sue from Arthur is seen writing in her journal. "I never wanna go through another fire. But I also never wanna lose this feeling. That each day is special; that my friends are the best friends in the world; and that if we stick together, we can make it through just about anything." The TikTok has received over 350,000 views in less than 24 hours, and thousands of comments have expressed their heartbreak over Trump's PBS cuts. Related: "You guys raised multiple generations and that won't be forgotten ever," one person wrote. "I can't believe these vile politicians defunded you. Fuck them," another person wrote. "Trump is trying to defund education. They know education means they have less power and voter base. Don't let them win. Continue to educate yourself," another person wrote. Related: Others shared what the show Arthur has meant to their lives. "This channel was my everything. I learned how to speak English watching PBS." "I came to the U.S. when I was 4. I went into school knowing 0 English thanks to PBS kids I learned English by the 3rd grade fluently. I'm now about to be in 12th." "from a foster child that had no structure or love growing up. thank you for helping raise me into who I am." Related: One person even shared that "Arthur's Reading Race" helped them start reading as an autistic kid. And this teacher said that PBS reinforced the "ethics" taught to them at home and helped them as a student. According to @arthursPBS, donating to your local PBS station is one way to help. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Buzz Feed
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
"Arthur" TikTok Goes Viral After Trump's PBS Funding Cuts
Everyone's inner child is heartbroken after the Trump administration received approval to reportedly cut all federal funding for public broadcasting, leaving programs like PBS in limbo. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said the cuts "go against the will of the American people," in a written statement. "The Senate just approved a rescissions package that goes against the will of the American people, the vast majority of whom trust PBS and believe we provide excellent value to their communities. These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas. 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. There is nothing more American than PBS. Despite today's setback, we are determined to keep fighting to preserve the essential services we provide to the American public," Kerger said. The PBS channel has been home to many popular educational children's TV shows, including the Emmy-winning animated series Arthur, a show about an 8-year-old aardvark who explores real-life issues through the lens of a child and promotes healthy problem-solving and social skills for young kids. Well, the official Arthur TikTok page recently posted a video in response to the news of budget cuts, with the caption: "PBS has been defunded. This isn't goodbye yet." In the clip, the character Sue from Arthur is seen writing in her journal. "I never wanna go through another fire. But I also never wanna lose this feeling. That each day is special; that my friends are the best friends in the world; and that if we stick together, we can make it through just about anything." The TikTok has received over 350,000 views in less than 24 hours, and thousands of comments have expressed their heartbreak over Trump's PBS cuts. "You guys raised multiple generations and that won't be forgotten ever," one person wrote. "I can't believe these vile politicians defunded you. Fuck them," another person wrote. "Trump is trying to defund education. They know education means they have less power and voter base. Don't let them win. Continue to educate yourself," another person wrote. Others shared what the show Arthur has meant to their lives. "This channel was my everything. I learned how to speak English watching PBS." "I came to the U.S. when I was 4. I went into school knowing 0 English thanks to PBS kids I learned English by the 3rd grade fluently. I'm now about to be in 12th." "from a foster child that had no structure or love growing up. thank you for helping raise me into who I am." One person even shared that "Arthur's Reading Race" helped them start reading as an autistic kid. And this teacher said that PBS reinforced the "ethics" taught to them at home and helped them as a student. According to @arthursPBS, donating to your local PBS station is one way to help. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
