FCC's Trusty Urges Public Media Reform Amid Senate Vote

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 21, 2025 | 3:46pm CT

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty issued a measured statement following the U.S. Senate's controversial vote to eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), calling the move "an opportunity for innovation" rather than an end to public media.

Trusty acknowledged CPB's decades-long role in supporting educational and cultural content, particularly in rural and underserved communities. However, she framed the Senate's action as a reflection of shifting public sentiment.

"Americans are increasingly skeptical of media institutions, with trust in media at historic lows," she said. "It is not unreasonable for taxpayers to expect transparency, accountability, and balance from any outlet receiving federal support."

Trusty stopped short of condemning the Senate's decision, instead characterizing it as a chance to reconsider outdated funding models. "This action does not signal the end of public media. It presents an opportunity for innovation, partnerships, and more localized decision-making," she said.

In contrast, fellow Commissioner Anna M. Gomez sharply criticized the Senate's vote, calling it a politically motivated attempt to silence independent journalism. She warned of severe consequences for rural communities and described the measure as part of a broader campaign against public broadcasters like NPR and PBS.

"The FCC is playing a dangerous game with its own baseless attacks on public broadcast stations," Gomez said. "Its role should be to protect and expand the public's access to timely, accurate news that is free from political interference."

If enacted, the Senate measure would eliminate CPB funding for the first time since the organization was established in 1967. Public media advocates say the cut would force closures of stations that provide essential local news, emergency alerts, and civic programming in areas with limited media access.

Trusty, however, emphasized that government support should not be immune from public scrutiny: "As a regulator, I will continue to support policies that promote access and competition in media, without presupposing that one model of funding or content creation should be immune from reform."