The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced it will initiate a planned closure of its operations after a recent federal appropriations package eliminated funding for the agency for the first time in over fifty years. This decision comes as a result of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which did not allocate any funding for CPB.
For nearly six decades, CPB has played a pivotal role in establishing a reliable public media system that informs and serves communities nationwide. Through collaborations with local stations and content creators, CPB has provided educational programming, essential news coverage, cultural initiatives, and vital emergency communications.
CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison expressed her gratitude for the efforts of many Americans who sought to preserve federal support, while acknowledging the difficult circumstances leading to the agency’s closure. The majority of CPB’s workforce will see their positions conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025, although a small team will remain until January 2026 to facilitate an orderly transition and manage outstanding financial commitments.
CPB’s impact has been significant in promoting educational opportunities and fostering cultural connections throughout the country. Harrison highlighted the essential role of public media as a trusted institution in American society, serving critical functions in education, emergency alerts, and civic engagement. The organization’s leadership is actively working to navigate the legal, financial, and operational complexities of the closure, committing to keep stakeholders informed during this challenging period.
For additional information about the CPB and its funding, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website and follow their community updates across social media platforms.
The unfolding situation may represent a significant moment for public media in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that federally supported public services play in communities and the importance of advocacy for their continued funding.