Public Media Matters

Federal support for PBS and NPR is under serious threat in 2025. An Executive Order has directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop all direct and indirect funding to PBS and NPR, preventing local stations like Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ from using CPB support to deliver national programming.

In addition, a rescission proposal is expected that would cancel two years of already-approved CPB funding. For Detroit PBS, this would mean a sudden $3 million budget shortfall, putting at risk essential services like children's education, local journalism, and access to the arts.

The U.S. Department of Education has also terminated the Ready To Learn grant, a $30 million program over five years that funded PBS KIDS content and educational outreach to underserved communities nationally. This loss further threatens access to trusted early learning resources.

These actions could have severe consequences nationwide. Many small and rural stations rely heavily on CPB support to remain operational. Without it, they may be forced to close—cutting off millions from free, high-quality, and educational programming.

Since the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, federal funding has ensured access to noncommercial media for all Americans. That promise is now at risk.

Detroit PBS is working with partners across the country to protect this vital funding. Public media is more than a service — it’s a lifeline for education, civic engagement, and trusted information.