President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the cessation of federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing concerns over perceived bias and the changing media landscape.
The executive order, titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media,” instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and all executive departments and agencies to terminate federal funding for the two organizations. The order argues that the current media environment, characterized by “abundant, diverse, and innovative news options,” renders government funding of news media outdated and detrimental to the appearance of journalistic independence.
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“At the very least, Americans have the right to expect that if their tax dollars fund public broadcasting at all, they fund only fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage,” the order states. It further asserts that NPR and PBS fail to meet these standards, presenting a portrayal of current events that is neither “fair, accurate, [nor] unbiased.”
The order specifically directs the CPB Board to cease both direct and indirect funding to NPR and PBS. This includes revising grant criteria to prohibit the use of federal funds by licensees and permittees of public radio and television stations for NPR and PBS programming. The deadline for these revisions is set for June 30, 2025, with immediate action requested where possible under existing regulations.
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Furthermore, the order mandates that all federal agencies identify and terminate any existing funding streams to NPR and PBS. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is also instructed to investigate whether NPR and PBS are complying with non-discrimination statutes related to employment.
The order includes standard provisions regarding severability and general implementation, noting that it should be carried out consistent with applicable law and the availability of appropriations. It also states that the order does not create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States.
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