CPB to Wind Down Following Federal Funding Cut

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2025) – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced the gradual cessation of its operations after the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which, for the first time in over five decades, excludes funding for CPB. This move follows the approval of a federal rescissions package.

For nearly 60 years, CPB has honored its Congressional mandate to create and maintain a reliable public media system that educates, informs, and serves communities nationwide. By collaborating with local stations and content creators, CPB has offered educational programming, locally-focused journalism, emergency alerts, cultural shows, and essential services to Americans everywhere.

“Despite the incredible support from millions of Americans who reached out to Congress to save CPB’s federal funding, we must now face the unfortunate task of ending our operations,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. She emphasized, “CPB is dedicated to responsibly managing this transition, ensuring transparency and support for our partners throughout the process.”

Today, CPB informed its employees that most staff roles will conclude by the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. A small transition team will remain until January 2026 to oversee the responsible finalization of operations. This team will handle compliance, final distributions, and manage long-term financial obligations, ensuring that music rights and royalties crucial to the public media system continue.

“Public media has been a trusted pillar in American life, delivering educational content, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connections across the nation,” Harrison remarked. “We are deeply appreciative of our partners throughout the system for their strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the American public.”

CPB’s Board of Directors and management are working together to manage the legal, financial, and operational challenges of the shutdown. They will offer regular updates and guidance to stations and producers as they navigate this significant transition.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation established by Congress in 1967, manages the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It supports more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations across the U.S. Additionally, CPB is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development within public radio, television, and related online services.