Civic Media Stands Against Funding Cuts to Public Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 5:24pm CT

Civic Media

As previously reported, Congress has voted to slash funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a move that threatens the future of noncommercial radio and television stations nationwide, including NPR, PBS, Tribal broadcasters, and independent community outlets.

The CPB, established in 1967, serves as a critical lifeline for public media, particularly in rural and underserved areas where local stations often provide the only source of trusted news, cultural content, and emergency information. The funding cuts are expected to shrink newsroom staffs, reduce programming, and, in some cases, force stations to shut down entirely.

In Wisconsin, the impact is already being felt. Wisconsin Public Radio and Tribal outlets like WOJB, along with numerous community radio stations across the state, face uncertain futures. The blow is especially severe because the cuts include "clawbacks" of funds previously approved for fiscal years 2026 and 2027-resources stations had already factored into their budgets.

Civic Media, while not directly affected by the cuts, expressed solidarity with its public media counterparts. "We see every day how our colleagues in public media bring needed news and information to underserved communities," the organization stated. "Their work is vital, and in some cases, life-saving."

Advocates argue that public media remains one of the most accessible and reliable platforms for free, fact-based reporting. With trust in media at historic lows, supporters say the defunding of public media further undermines efforts to provide balanced and local journalism to the American public.

Protect My Public Media, a campaign working to preserve CPB funding, is urging citizens to contact Congress and demand restoration of the funds. More information and resources can be found at protectmypublicmedia.org.