Trump plans order to cut funding for NPR and PBS

[TheBigA]

This is how possible cuts to CPB translate to changes in the public radio system. Operationally, it means job cuts in Atlanta:

As Federal Cuts Loom, WABE Conducts More Layoffs.

City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE (90.1) is laying off staff for the second time in less than six months as the Trump administration continues to target funding

www.insideradio.com

So for those who attribute this to cutting the size of government, what it really means is that local radio people will be out of work.

 

[Rusty Muck]

We’re well past the point of pointing out hypocrisy. Truth be told, not a single Republican will stand up to Trump because they are meek and cowardly and there won’t be any tangible opposition from voters within the party.

The vast majority of his base blindly support him and won’t bat an eye even if their livelihood is hurt badly. They can’t be swayed.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

We’re well past the point of pointing out hypocrisy. Truth be told, not a single Republican will stand up to Trump because they are meek and cowardly and there won’t be any tangible opposition from voters within the party.

The vast majority of his base blindly support him and won’t bat an eye even if their livelihood is hurt badly. They can’t be swayed.

Well True and also if there are Republicans standing up to Trump they are "Ex-Republicans", Converted to voting for Democrats and are speaking up about the latest drama from the White House just not in places where the fans of Elon Musk and Donald Trump are located. This group is speaking up on Substack, MSNBC, CNN and others. Its because these pundits know they will or already have been banned from Fox News and Newsmax over Trump.

Olivia of Troye | Substack

Former national security official & VP Pence’s homeland security advisor. Resigned from Trump 1.0 to speak the truth & remain an outspoken critic. Bordertown girl. Dog Lover. Independent media commentator. Recovering Republican.

substack.com

Adam Kinzinger | Substack

Husband, dad, pilot, Lt. Col in @AirNatlGuard, CNN Senior Political Commentator, former Congressman, and founder of Country1st.com

substack.com

Joe Walsh | Substack

Joe Walsh is a former U.S. Congressman and conservative talk radio host who waged a Republican primary challenge against Donald Trump in 2020. He is currently the director of The Social Contract and host of the “White Flag with Joe Walsh” podcast.

substack.com

At one point Charlie Sykes even had appearances on NPR affiliate WNYC as a host once he resigned from WTMJ Radio Milwaukee and left the GOP in 2016. Well today we know Charlie Sykes for being on MSNBC Talk shows talking about the current state of the GOP.

https://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2017/01/charlie-sykes-returns-to-radio-as-co-host-of-wnyc-show-233594

 

[b-turner]

The dollars being discussed are basically about 5% of the revenue pie for stations. There are stations offering the only media for tiny spots that need almost 100% funding and I support that.

Nothing has happened yet and lots of folks are pointing to things that are happening before the fact. Such is the news cycle on the left and right...just select facts and plenty of hyperbole when needed.

 

[TheBigA]

The dollars being discussed are basically about 5% of the revenue pie for stations. There are stations offering the only media for tiny spots that need almost 100% funding and I support that.

You're right and nobody listened when it was brought up during the congressional hearing. They call it a hearing, and nobody was listening.

 

[davideduardo]

There was a poll asking people how they feel about defunding public broadcasting, and only 25% were in favor. That's less than his base.

On the other hand, the administration's goal is to reduce expenditures and the national debt, both of which are unsustainable.

In the case of public broadcasting, the conclusion seems to be that this is an area that government should not be involved at all. That matches many other nations, and also matches the reduction in government public broadcasting support in nations with significant entities in that area.

 

[Theater of My Mind]

On the other hand, the administration's goal is to reduce expenditures and the national debt, both of which are unsustainable.

This is not true. The gutting of the government is politically motivated, the reasons laid out in the Project 2025 roadmap.

Also, Trump's agenda already called for adding trillions of dollars to the U.S. debt and now he's pushing another trillion-dollars in military spending, making it clear this is not really about reducing expenditures or the national debt at all.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/07/hegseth-trump-1-trillion-defense-budget-00007147

Despite DOGE, Trump's agenda calls for adding trillions of dollars to U.S. debt

Budget experts say Trump’s tax and spending priorities would increase red ink, even as he boasts of balancing the budget. “I don’t think their rhetoric matches reality," one says.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[TheBigA]

On the other hand, the administration's goal is to reduce expenditures and the national debt, both of which are unsustainable.

As I said, the president and everyone involved has never used the expense as the reason for defunding. Same with VOA. It's all about the content.

Their latest budget bill will grow the debt by $5 trillion more. So that's not the reason. Try again.

In the case of public broadcasting, the conclusion seems to be that this is an area that government should not be involved at all.

If that's the conclusion, why aren't they saying it? Nobody is giving that as the reason. The government is fine with being in broadcasting as long as they control the message. That's what Kari Lake said. The government could change funding rules and only give money to stations in need. There are a lot of ways they could fix the problems. But they want to shut down the radical left. That's all they're saying.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

This is how possible cuts to CPB translate to changes in the public radio system. Operationally, it means job cuts in Atlanta:

As Federal Cuts Loom, WABE Conducts More Layoffs.

City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE (90.1) is laying off staff for the second time in less than six months as the Trump administration continues to target funding

www.insideradio.com

So for those who attribute this to cutting the size of government, what it really means is that local radio people will be out of work.

True and when CPB is cut how will the Corporation for Public Broadcasting investigate allegations like misusing funds as seen with the case when California State University reported that the former General Manager of Cap Radio Sacramento was misusing their funds for questionable reasons lead to California State University, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to investigate the books of Sacramento State University and CapRadio over those allegations in an audit. But then again this is not being discussed on the national level for some reason.

New CPB audit of CapRadio finds station overreported funding, noncompliant with financial policies

Auditors found that CapRadio overreported its revenue by nearly $6 million over three fiscal years. CPB is now asking the station to repay nearly $200,000 for the grants it awarded based on the incorrect information given.

www.capradio.org

General Manager Address on the CapRadio CPB Audit

Capital Public Radio provides a trusted source of information, music and entertainment for curious and thoughtful people.

www.capradio.org

Audit details conflicts of interests, suggests board members benefited from CapRadio funds

An independent review of CapRadio's troubled financial situation suggests that a former executive and board members benefitted personally at the expense of the station.

www.kcra.com

CapRadio Commandeered By Sacramento State After Audit - Radio Ink

Sacramento State University has taken over the operations of CapRadio following an audit that unveiled severe financial mismanagement.

radioink.com

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Cape Cod Public Stations ‘Remain Hopeful’ Amid Proposed Funding Cuts.

With the Trump administration proposing not just ending future funding of NPR and PBS but also targeting already-approved funding for public radio and TV, local public stations in Massachusetts’ Cape

www.insideradio.com

Here are the local public media affiliates responds to the cuts.

 

[TheBigA]

NPR is advising its affiliates to lobby congress:

NPR Asks Stations To Lobby Congress In Hopes Of Saving Federal Money.

National Public Radio is seeking assistance from its member stations as the White House moves to kill funding for public broadcasting. According to a Fox News report, NPR is pushing

www.insideradio.com

As I've said, the stations should also speak with their governors. A lot of NPR stations are owned in some way by state governments. They will lose this funding, not NPR. But this is a CPB problem, and they should be the ones speaking to congress. That's why they exist.

The government is of the mistaken opinion that NPR is some top-down system that controls what its stations do. It's not.

 

[TheBigA]

Part of the federal funding that goes to CPB is for the emergency warning system at local stations. Some of that money also comes from FEMA, and apparently that money is also tied up in the government's attempt to shut down FEMA:

Last week, FEMA changed it's mind and decided it would fund the emergency system.

CPB Resumes Emergency Radio Grants After FEMA Funding Hold - Radio Ink

CPB has restarted emergency alert system grants for public radio stations after a FEMA funding hold, awarding $9.6 million.

radioink.com

 

[ted chittenden]

NPR is advising its affiliates to lobby congress:

NPR Asks Stations To Lobby Congress In Hopes Of Saving Federal Money.

National Public Radio is seeking assistance from its member stations as the White House moves to kill funding for public broadcasting. According to a Fox News report, NPR is pushing

www.insideradio.com

As I've said, the stations should also speak with their governors. A lot of NPR stations are owned in some way by state governments. They will lose this funding, not NPR. But this is a CPB problem, and they should be the ones speaking to congress. That's why they exist.

The government is of the mistaken opinion that NPR is some top-down system that controls what its stations do. It's not.

When I read your post, I recalled hearing (or reading) somewhere in the distant past, that recipients of government funding are blocked from lobbying on their own behalf. So Ilooked up the situation with CPB. While I didn't find any official statements from the CPB or other sites on this matter, I did find the following Reddit post from last January that opposes public radio funding:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Defund_NPR_and_PBS/comments/1huyva4/corporation_public_broadcasting_cpbhas_a_lobbyist

Open Secrets, a non-profit entity that supports full government transparency, did not find that the CPB lobbied Congress in 2024 which may give substance to the claim that that organization is forbidden by law from lobbying Congress on its own behalf.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting Profile: Summary

Corporation for Public Broadcasting organization profile. Contributions in the 2024 cycle: $37,829. Lobbying in 2024: $0. Outside Spending in the 2024 cycle: $0.

www.opensecrets.org

Anyway, I think this is why the CPB is asking individual public stations to lobby on its behalf.

 

[TheBigA]

The non-com Music Alliance says ending funding for CPB will devastate public broadcasting;

noncomMUSIC Alliance: Rescinding CPB Funding 'Will Devastate The Public Media System.”

A statement from the noncomMUSIC Alliance, which advocates for the preservation and growth of noncommercial public radio, warns that cuts to station funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could

www.insideradio.com

The politicians believe they're only cutting NPR. They haven't looked at what their cuts actually mean. Not all of the recipients of CPB money air NPR news. Some air classical music.

 

[gr8oldies]

The non-com Music Alliance says ending funding for CPB will devastate public broadcasting;

noncomMUSIC Alliance: Rescinding CPB Funding 'Will Devastate The Public Media System.”

A statement from the noncomMUSIC Alliance, which advocates for the preservation and growth of noncommercial public radio, warns that cuts to station funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could

www.insideradio.com

The politicians believe they're only cutting NPR. They haven't looked at what their cuts actually mean. Not all of the recipients of CPB money air NPR news. Some air classical music.

We have a local Americana station that gets CPB funding

 

[ted chittenden]

The non-com Music Alliance says ending funding for CPB will devastate public broadcasting;

noncomMUSIC Alliance: Rescinding CPB Funding 'Will Devastate The Public Media System.”

A statement from the noncomMUSIC Alliance, which advocates for the preservation and growth of noncommercial public radio, warns that cuts to station funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting could

www.insideradio.com

The politicians believe they're only cutting NPR. They haven't looked at what their cuts actually mean. Not all of the recipients of CPB money air NPR news. Some air classical music.

And some air adult album alternative, jazz, and alternative music! However, none of this matters to the person who is demanding these cuts; he only seeks to give his opposition a lesser voice than his supporters, much like what is being done in today's Hungary.

 

[TheBigA]

FCC Chairman Carr says his goal is to "empower local broadcasters:"

FCC’s Brendan Carr At Day 100: ‘We Want Local Broadcasters To Feel Empowered.’

Today marks 100 days in office for President Donald Trump, and it is not just the President who is marking the milestone. At the FCC, Chair Brendan Carr says he

www.insideradio.com

If that's true, why is he trying to defund local public broadcasters? The entire public radio system is based on empowering local stations. They choose the programming they carry. It's not mandated by any national company. In fact the local stations sit on NPR's board and set its agenda. Not the other way around. Carr and his party should love the system. It was their party that set it up in 1983 under Reagan. But they're too young to know that.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/corporation-public-broadcasting-sues-block-trump-firing-three-board-members-2025-04-29/

Corporation For Public Broadcasting Sues Donald Trump Over Attempt To Remove Tom Rothman And Others From Board – Update

Donald Trump is trying to terminate Tom Rothman and two others from the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

deadline.com

Corporation for Public Broadcasting sues Trump Administration over the firing three of its board members. Another hearing is set for May 14 over this issue.

UPDATED with judge setting filing dates: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting on Tuesday filed suit against Donald Trump and other members of his administration for their removal of three members of its board, including Sony’s Tom Rothman.

The corporation, the independent entity set up to distribute federal funds to public broadcasting entities, is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop Trump’s firing of Rothman and board members Laura Ross and Diane Kaplan.
Although presidents appoint members of the CPB board, there is nothing in the statute that allows them to remove them once they are confirmed by the Senate, the corporation’s attorneys wrote.


CPB’s attorneys wrote, “Put simply, Congress conceived CPB as a vehicle for infusing federal money into public broadcasting without the introduction of government direction or control, with Congress reserving for itself the oversight responsibility for the CPB by, among other things, controlling the appropriations for CPB and public broadcasting. Moreover, Congress protected the CPB from the executive branch by withholding from CPB any form, pure or quasi, of legislative, judicial, or regulatory power.”

 

[TheBigA]

Having failed to cut public broadcasting with various options, the president is now trying something different: Rescission:

White House asks Congress to codify DOGE cuts to USAID and public broadcasting

The so-called rescissions package seeks to claw back $9.4 billion lawmakers had authorized the executive branch to spend, and it would require only GOP votes to pass.

www.nbcnews.com

He is asking congress re rescind already allocated funds. The problem for congress is the action defies an existing law, and it would mean they're cutting aid to their own states. It's not being presented that way, but it will come out in the hearings. The "talking points" say it would cut funds to NPR & PBS, but that's not true. It would instead cut millions of already-allocated funds to local stations and state governments. There have to be hearings on this proposal, and I expect them to be very revealing.

 

[davideduardo]

The attack isn't about saving money. It's about shutting down free speech. It's about government control of what the media says. They aren't hiding it or mincing words. They believe what the media is saying needs to be stopped by whatever means necessary.

The "other side" says that it is about closing ending government sponsorship of something they feel is both an area where the government should not be participating and where the endeavors are, in their opinion, partisan.