CPB Awards $57.9M to Sustain Public Radio Distribution

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 2:07pm CT

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced a grant of up to $57.9 million over five years to Public Media Infrastructure (PMI), a newly formed nonprofit, to support public radio distribution through 2030. The funding will allow PMI to provide reliable interconnection services to stations nationwide, while also building digital distribution, audience measurement, and sponsorship technology.

"By awarding this grant to PMI, CPB is placing trust in stations to drive the future of radio content distribution, ensuring that interconnection is not only reliable but also innovative, representative and sustainable," said Patricia Harrison, CPB President and CEO.

CPB launched a competitive process earlier this year, following consultations with a system-wide working group and Deloitte Consulting, before selecting PMI for its governance, innovation, and sustainability plans.

PMI will operate as an independent 501(c)(3), offering services in broadcast and digital content distribution, data analytics, and sponsorship technology. Leaders across the founding organizations said the initiative will help public radio adapt to changing audience habits, strengthen local stations, and secure the system's sustainability into the next decade.