WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the nonprofit organization that for nearly six decades oversaw federal support for public radio and television, announced Monday that its Board of Directors has voted to dissolve the corporation following Congress’s decision to rescind all federal funding.
Created in 1967 under the Public Broadcasting Act, CPB served as the steward of federal investments that helped build a nationwide network of more than 1,500 local public media stations. The decision to dissolve comes amid what CPB leaders described as “sustained political attacks” and the complete elimination of federal appropriations that made continued operation impossible.
“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 CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “When the Administration and Congress rescinded federal funding, our Board faced a profound responsibility: CPB’s final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic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.”
Board Chair Ruby Calvert called the loss of funding “devastating,” noting that CPB’s closure marks the end of a national institution that helped shape public service broadcasting. “After nearly six decades of innovative, educational public television and radio service, Congress eliminated all funding for CPB, leaving the Board with no way to continue the organization or support the public media system that depends on it,” Calvert said.
Through its stewardship, CPB supported programming that became part of American culture—including Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street—and strengthened public broadcasting’s role in education, emergency communication, and local journalism.
The Board said the decision was made to prevent a defunded CPB from becoming “vulnerable to future political manipulation or misuse,” adding that its final actions would focus on preserving public media’s legacy. Remaining funds will be distributed in accordance with Congressional intent, and CPB’s archives will be transferred to the University of Maryland. The corporation will also assist the American Archive of Public Broadcasting in preserving historic programming.
“Public media remains essential to a healthy democracy,” Harrison said. “Our hope is that future leaders and generations will recognize its value, defend its independence, and continue the work of ensuring that trustworthy, educational, and community-centered media remains accessible to all Americans.”
