In Defense of Public Broadcasting: Why NPR and PBS Must Remain Funded

Dear fellow advocates, allies, and members of the public,

I am submitting this response to the recent executive directive to suspend federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) —two of the most enduring institutions in American media, whose mission is to educate, inform, and serve the public without commercial or political interference.

NPR, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a major presence in Culver City, California, provides in-depth journalism, cultural programming, and local reporting through over 1,000 affiliated stations. PBS, a nonprofit television network, partners with independent member stations to offer high-quality educational and informational content. Both organizations operate with editorial independence and are trusted sources of news for communities across the nation.

Why This Matters

The proposed defunding does not simply represent a shift in budgetary priorities—it poses a systemic threat to public access to credible, non-commercial media. This decision affects not only rural or suburban areas but urban communities as well. Individuals across all residential contexts—whether in metropolitan neighborhoods, small towns, or isolated communities—rely on public media for local coverage, civic education, and cultural preservation.

This issue is particularly relevant for vulnerable populations: individuals with disabilities, low-income households, seniors, and those without consistent access to broadband or cable services. Public radio and television often serve as their most reliable—or only—sources of free, accessible information. Cutting off funding to NPR and PBS disproportionately impacts these groups, widening information gaps and further marginalizing those already underserved.

The Financial Reality

Despite common misconceptions, public broadcasting receives only a modest portion of federal funding:

• NPR obtains approximately 1% of its funding directly from the federal government and another 8–10% through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports its member stations.
• PBS and its affiliated stations derive about 15% of their revenue from CPB funds.
• These resources are largely allocated to local stations, not to corporate headquarters, and help cover high-cost television production and educational programming, particularly for children and rural audiences.

The proposed suspension of these funds would not result in substantial federal savings. However, it would significantly destabilize local stations, diminish public trust, and limit access to nonpartisan news and programming.

Call to Action

This moment calls for civic engagement. I respectfully urge:

• Legislators to reconsider the decision and continue federal support for public media infrastructure.
• Community members to voice their support for NPR and PBS by contacting elected officials, participating in public hearings, and submitting their comments.
• Philanthropic organizations and individuals to increase support for local stations during this time of uncertainty.
• Advocacy networks, such as The Arc of Northern Virginia and other civil society groups, to elevate the visibility of this issue, especially as it intersects with disability rights, education, and digital equity.

Public media is not a partisan tool, nor is it a relic of the past. It is a vital thread in the fabric of civic life—a means by which information becomes knowledge, and knowledge becomes action. Its accessibility and integrity must not be compromised.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ian Allan

Self-Advocate for The Arc of Northern Virginia