What happened?
On June 3, 2025 the White House issued a memo asking Congress to rescind funds that have already been appropriated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. On June 12, 2025, the House of Representatives voted by simple majority to approve the action, known as a rescission of funds. It will now go to the Senate for a final vote, which will happen by July 18.
What does this mean?
If approved by the Senate, this rescission would remove $1.1billion intended for the direct support of over 1200 local, independent noncommercial public media stations across all 50 states and territories, and directly impact nation-wide public broadcasting starting this October.
WCBE receives 10% of our annual operating funds in the form of grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This action passing would take that away. The CPB also negotiates discounted music licenses that allow WCBE and other public music stations around the country to play a wide variety of music without having to negotiate individual licenses and fees. Losing the critical funds and support provided by the CPB would impact regular operation of stations around the country, including WCBE.
What can I do to help?
- Take a minute to visit Protect My Public Media and use their online form to contact your lawmakers and representatives. Tell them that public media entities are an essential service to you and your community.
- Donate to WCBE. Help us to weather potential funding cuts by becoming a sustaining monthly donor, which helps us keep consistent funding throughout the year.
- Spread the word! Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your coworkers. Ask them to listen, write in, and consider donating as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you're interested in learning more, check out the American Coalition for Public Radio.
This article was written with assistance from materials and data provided by Protect My Public Media.