CPB Board Votes to Dissolve After Federal Funding Cut

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 2:09pm CT

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced that its board of directors has voted to dissolve the organization after 58 years, following Congress's decision to rescind all federal funding for public broadcasting.

CPB said sustained political opposition and the loss of funding made it impossible for the organization to continue operating as envisioned under the Public Broadcasting Act. The board concluded that maintaining CPB as a defunded entity would not serve the public interest or protect the integrity of the public media system.

"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," said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. She added that dissolving the organization was intended to prevent CPB from becoming vulnerable to political interference or misuse in the absence of federal support.

Board Chair Ruby Calvert called the decision "devastating," noting that the elimination of federal funding left no viable path forward for the organization. Calvert expressed confidence, however, that public media itself will continue, citing its importance to education, culture, and democratic engagement.

First authorized by Congress in 1967, CPB played a central role in building a nationwide public media system of more than 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations. Over its history, CPB supported educational children's programming, emergency communications during natural disasters, and journalism focused on local and national civic issues.

CPB said its Board determined that allowing the corporation to remain dormant could expose staff and board members to legal and operational risks while threatening public trust in the independence of public media. Dissolution, the organization said, was the most responsible option under the circumstances.

As part of an orderly closure, CPB will complete the distribution of remaining funds in line with congressional intent. The organization will also continue support for the American Archive of Public Broadcasting to preserve historic radio and television content. CPB's own archives, dating back to its founding, will be preserved in partnership with the University of Maryland and made available to the public.

While CPB's operations are ending, the organization emphasized that local public media stations, producers, and journalists will continue serving communities nationwide. Harrison said CPB hopes future leaders will reassess the role of public media and work to ensure continued access to educational, community-focused, and independent media services.