May 1st, 2025 an executive order was signed directing for the end of federal funding for both NPR and PBS. The order calls for the CPB (Corporation of Public Broadcasting) to end its financial support for the stations citing “bias” and misuse of taxpayer money as the reason. 

The CPB was originally created as a non-profit by congress in 1967, independent from presidential control, to protect public media from political influence. Because of this many argue that the president doesn’t have the legal authority to make this call. Especially as congress (who controls CPB funding) has already approved their funding through 2027. 

According to NPR the order wouldn’t just affect PBS and themselves but local stations across the country as well. As they rely on grants from the CPB for things such as general broadcast/news, equipment, and emergency broadcasts. 

In fact, according to an article by the Conversation about $535 million of CPB’s annual funding goes to the local stations. The same article claims that with this current order, rural areas will be hit the hardest, with NPR and PBS being the only reliable source of news/emergency information. As well as the fact that they offer free educational shows/content for children. 

As of right now, though republican lawmakers have raised concern about the programs, a research survey from the Pew Research Center found that 43% of Americans are in support of the funding continuing on and 23% support ending it.