WASHINGTON — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the nonprofit entity that has funded PBS, NPR, and local public media stations for nearly six decades, has officially dissolved after its board of directors voted to wind down operations amid severe funding reductions imposed by Republican lawmakers.
The announcement, made Monday, marks the end of an era for the CPB, which was established by Congress in 1967 to support over 1,500 local radio and television stations nationwide and produce educational content like “Sesame Street.” In a final statement, CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison reflected on the organization’s legacy: “For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans—regardless of geography, income, or background—had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling.”
The dissolution follows a GOP-led congressional bill passed last summer that rescinded over $1 billion in previously allocated funding, signed into law by President Donald Trump. Harrison explained the board’s rationale: “After careful consideration, we have fulfilled our profound responsibility to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks.” She added that without resources to fulfill its mandate, maintaining the CPB would not serve the public interest.
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The shutdown process began in August, with most staff positions eliminated by September and a small team retained through January to distribute remaining funds. Despite the closure, PBS and NPR programming continues, supported by alternative funding sources such as private donations and sponsorships.
Republicans have long criticized the CPB for perceived left-wing bias and misuse of taxpayer dollars. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) celebrated the news on social media, stating, “The Corporation for Public Broadcasting funneled your money to NPR and PBS to call birds, roads, and country music racist. Good riddance.” Similarly, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) called it “excellent news,” adding, “Now, Americans will never again have to worry that a single cent will go towards CPB’s radical programming.”
Democrats, however, decried the funding cuts as detrimental to underserved communities, particularly in rural areas reliant on public broadcasting for news and education.
The move underscores ongoing partisan divides over public media funding, with critics arguing it stifles diverse voices while supporters warn of reduced access to non-commercial content. As the CPB fades into history, attention turns to how local stations will adapt in its absence.
