NWPB & Federal Funding
NWPB Addresses Concerns About Federal Funding for Public Media
NWPB has taken numerous calls and emails from our audience about potential cuts to federal funding for public media and what that could mean for NWPB. We want to provide clarity on how federal funding supports the station and the current discussions surrounding it.
Understanding Federal Support for Public Media
The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established federal funding for public radio and television to support educational, cultural, and informational programming. Today, public media—including NPR and PBS stations—reaches 99% of Americans, with the cost per person averaging $1.60 annually.
Federal funds for public media are distributed through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), an independent nonprofit. CPB prioritizes funding for stations serving rural and remote areas, with nearly half of the 544 supported stations classified as rural. In addition to providing direct operational support to stations, CPB also funds critical public media infrastructure, including satellite systems, emergency alert services, music licensing, and the development of educational content.
Current Developments in Public Media Funding
The Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently requested NPR CEO Katherine Maher, and President & CEO of PBS Paula Kerger to testify before Congress, raising concerns over NPR’s and PBS’s editorial approach and the use of federal funds in public media.
Meanwhile, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has initiated an investigation into sponsorship practices at NPR and PBS stations.
Although these actions indicate heightened scrutiny of public media, Congress has not yet enacted any changes to federal funding.
What This Means for NWPB
Currently, about 20% of NWPB’s annual revenue comes from CPB funding. This is for all NWPB including television, radio, digital and children’s educational programs. NWPB publicly reports funding sources. Here is the station’s FY 2024 overview.
If federal support were eliminated, NWPB would need to raise over one million dollars annually to cover this loss. It is important to realize that the loss in funding is one crucial part of how the CPB supports NWPB. Music rights, emergency alert systems and national programming will also be impacted. Without alternative funding, reductions in service could be necessary. This would be even greater for smaller rural stations that rely more heavily on CPB funding.
How You Can Support Public Media
While the potential loss of CPB funding is concerning, the majority of NWPB’s funding, 40%, comes from individual supporters, and community sponsors. If you value independent, fact-based journalism, PBS documentaries and life-long learning programming, become a member or increase your contribution.
Your support helps ensure that public media continues to serve your community and others across the Northwest.
