Will PBS, NPR shut down? What to know after CPB announces closure

After more than half a century in operation, the nonprofit responsible for funding public media giants NPR and PBS will dissolve following millions in budget cuts spurred by the Trump administration.

The board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) voted to dissolve the organization on Jan. 5 after Congress voted in July to claw back $1.1 billion that had been allocated for its use. President Donald Trump has rallied against the CPB, NPR and PBS since the start of his presidency, accusing the organizations of failing to present a "fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens." Trump has repeatedly targeted media organizations that he perceives as airing content that is unfavorable toward his administration.

The CPB attributed its closure to the lack of funding and "sustained political attacks," saying it could no longer function as intended upon its 1967 founding, as previously reported by USA TODAY.

CPB was the primary funder of NPR, PBS and associated stations and properties. Both organizations have previously warned that they would struggle to continue operating without the support of federal monies.

What is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that was created by Congress via the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. Its purpose was to provide funding and support for public media across the United States to enable greater and equitable access to information and education.

CPB provides millions in grants to local public television and radio stations, according to its website.

It is best known for funding National Public Radio (NPR), including its network of hundreds of local news sources and radio shows in communities across the country, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), which airs educational television like "Sesame Street," concerts, cooking shows, documentaries, news and weather warnings. It was also once the home of other beloved shows, including "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" and Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting."

What happened to the CPB?

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting board of directors voted on Monday, Jan. 5, to dissolve the institution after funding cuts.

The CPB had already announced on Aug. 1, 2025, that it would shutter following over $1 billion in federal funding cuts to the organization, USA TODAY previously reported.

"For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans — regardless of geography, income, or background — had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling," said President and CEO Patricia Harrison in a press release. "When the Administration and Congress rescinded federal funding, our Board faced a profound responsibility: CPB’s final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks."

The corporation has said it will keep some employees on for an "orderly closure," which will include distributing remaining funds and supporting the American Archive of Public Broadcasting in its efforts to preserve "historic content." It has partnered University of Maryland to preserve its own archives, which the corporation said would be made publicly available. 

Will NPR, PBS shut down?

NPR and PBS as a whole will not "shut down," but some associated properties, especially those in more rural or lower-income areas, may suffer. CPB was a significant portion of NPR and PBS's funding, but not all of it, meaning the organizations will have to find another means of filling in the multi-million dollar gaps.

The CPB said that 70% of its federal funding went to locally owned public media stations, reaching roughly 99% of Americans. Advocates previously told USA TODAY the budget cuts would disproportionately affect rural areas, potentially worsening existing news and information deserts. It is unclear at this time just how many programs may be impacted.

PBS said in a statement on Jan. 7 that it would continue to operate despite the funding windfall.

"As this remarkable institution closes its doors, PBS remains strong and resolute. We remain committed to building on CPB’s legacy by maintaining our service to the American people for years to come," it said.

NPR released a similiar statement on Jan. 6, saying in part, "While the structures that surround us may change, the need for public media has never been greater, and our commitment to serving the public with free, reliable, and independent journalism is unwavering ... We will continue this work with resolve and creativity, powered by the public trust that has sustained us this far."

Some trademark programming at risk has sought other solutions, such as "Sesame Street's" recent deal with Netflix.

Contributing: Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press; BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY