Public media executives are vehemently opposing President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at eliminating federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing its illegality.
Pushback Against Trump’s Order
Trump’s directive on Thursday instructed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease existing direct funding to NPR and PBS, prompting strong reactions from industry leaders.
In a statement, Patricia Harris, CPB’s president, emphasized the organization’s independence from presidential control, asserting that Congress established CPB as a private nonprofit entity.
Legal Battles and Congressional Scrutiny
CPB is currently entangled in a legal dispute with the Trump administration following clashes over board appointments. Trump’s allegations of liberal bias in NPR and PBS content have fueled efforts to curtail their funding.
Both NPR and PBS faced congressional interrogation regarding their operations, with the FCC initiating investigations into their underwriting practices.
Challenges and Responses
PBS CEO Paula Kerger condemned Trump’s order as ‘blatantly unlawful’, pledging to explore all avenues to maintain nationwide programming. NPR vowed to defend its services vigorously and contest the order through legal channels.
Funding Threats and Public Broadcasting
The executive order demands CPB to terminate all forms of funding to NPR and PBS, jeopardizing a significant portion of their budgets. The order underscores the expectation for unbiased and accurate news coverage in publicly funded media.
Despite potential funding cuts, NPR and PBS remain committed to providing essential information and services to the public, promising to uphold journalistic integrity and independence.
