CPB Funding & c89.5

The White House has announced plans to rescind public broadcasting funding – what does that mean for c89.5?

The White House announced its intent to submit a rescission proposal, which would claw back money previously appropriated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) by Congress. The elimination of these funds represents an existential crisis to independent public radio and television stations around the country that receive the bulk of that funding.

c89.5, like all public radio stations, is locally managed and makes programming and service decisions to address our unique community’s needs. That work is funded, in part, by the CPB.

We’ve put together these answers to frequently asked questions about how public media funding works and what impact the absence of that funding may have on c89.5. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at june@c895.org

What is CPB’s role in public broadcasting?

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 with two primary missions:  to serve as a firewall between partisan politics and public broadcasting; and to help fund programming, stations, and technology that are commercial-free and free of charge to the American people.

Funding for CPB is established through the federal budget annual appropriations process two years in advance, with the intention of insulating funding from political pressures. Its total appropriation is currently a little more than $500 million. The average cost, per American, is $1.60 per year.

The CPB does not produce programming or manage stations.  As the steward for the federal appropriation for public media, CPB invests taxpayer dollars in a strong public media system, allocating more than 70% of all annual funds directly to locally-operated public media stations like c89.5.  The CPB retains less than 5% of the annual federal allocation to sustain its own operations.

 

What else does CPB do?

CPB’s investment directly supports local, independent, non-profit stations like c89.5 across the country and enables them to provide essential programs and services.  We are fortunate to have a wealth of media options in the Pacific Northwest but, in some areas of the United States, public media stations are the only source of local news and information available.  Some stations could be forced off the air, particularly those in rural areas that receive a larger percentage of their revenues from CPB.

The CPB negotiates music licensing for all public stations – including c89.5 – saving them millions in costs, and offers administrative support that enables stations to collaborate efficiently by sharing information, research, and services in a cost-effective manner.

The CPB also funds the public media interconnection system, which connects stations, supports program distribution, and provides a backbone to the Emergency Alert System in the United States.  No matter where we live, interconnection ensures that local public media stations can provide programming and lifesaving emergency communications.  It’s the only system that reaches nearly 99% of our nation, serving virtually every American household for free.

What has happened up to this point?

• March 14th: Congress passed a Continuing Resolution including CPB funding through fiscal year 2027
• March 26th: NPR and PBS CEOs testify before Congress at a hearing targeting CPB funding
• May 1st:  The White House issued an Executive Order instructing the CPB to “cease federal funding for NPR and PBS”
  • In response, CPB issued a statement affirming that it is :not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority.”
• May 2nd:  The White House delivered it’s budget request to Congress, proposing to completely defund CPB for Fiscal Year 2026

The Rescission Package is still pending. 

On April 17th, the White House called on Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding from public broadcasters. Once this request is formally submitted, Congress will have 45 days to adopt or reject the request.  Here’s what we know about the plan:

• It’s called a “rescission” package, a rarely used method to cut federal spending
• The specific programs targeted for rescissions have not yet been formally announced, but it’s likely the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) – funded two years in advance – and other key public media programs that support stations will be included
• The White House could send this plan to Congress as early as Monday, April 28^th, when lawmakers return from recess
• This would start a 45-day countdown for Congress to review and vote on the proposal
• During this time, the administration can temporarily withhold any funding included in the plan
• The funds in question are for FY26 and FY27, unrelated to any future funding beyond what was already appropriated in the recent continuing resolution
• If Congress doesn’t approve the plan – or can’t get enough votes to pass it – the funding must be released
• The Senate can pass it with a simple majority of just 50 votes, and Congress has the option to change what’s included

Public media funding makes up a small fraction of the federal budget, but its impact is enormous, particularly for rural, underserved, marginalized, and emergency-prone communities. c89.5 and local stations across the country are now facing a direct and immediate threat to our ability to serve the public.

How much CPB funding does c89.5 receive?

Approximately 8% of c89.5’s budgeted revenue comes from the CPB.  In FY25, that’s about $140,000. That cash value, however, is only one way that the CPB directly funds the work of c89.5. Stations across the country, like c89.5, rely on pooled resources from the CPB, including satellite interconnection, emergency alert systems, and the ability to license music. The estimated costs to c89.5 to replace all of those pooled resources are close to $175,000 in FY25.

The breakdown of our funding is as follows

For fiscal year 2024

• Listener Donations  (52%)
• Business Support (sponsorships, underwriting)  (31%)
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting (federal funding)  (8%)
• Seattle Public Schools (direct)  (5%)
• Other (in-kind, investments)  (4%)

What would happen if c89.5 lost CPB funding?

Loss of CPB funding could mean:

• An increased cost in infrastructure for digital and broadcast streams
• Increased costs to license music for broadcast and internet streaming
• Inability to provide programming to, or access programming from other stations
• Increased dependence on individual donations to maintain core services

What is c89.5 doing to prepare for this possibility?

c89.5 has been scenario planning for this possibility for months. We are planning a communications, programming, and budget strategy to ensure that, even in the face of potential federal cuts, we can continue to serve our community, provide professional media training to our students, and deliver the music you rely on every day.  Our full-time staff of five is the smallest of all public radio stations in Seattle, and most of our non-staff costs are essential and non-negotiable, meaning, should federal funding be rescinded, our best option is to raise more funds through community support, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships.

What can I do to help?

Right now, it’s important for every person who cares about public media’s future to let their voice be heard in Washington DC.  Contact your representatives and let them know how important public media is to you.  Ask them to oppose the rescission package.  Should the rescission package be approved, your financial support will be needed. Donations from our local community are our largest and most stable source of funding, and no matter what happens, continuing c89.5’s mission will require your ongoing, generous financial support. If you’re already a c89.5 supporter, thank you! If you are not a current donor or can give more generously, now is the perfect time to become a monthly donor or increase your existing donation.

Public media has always been supported by the communities it serves — and right now, your support matters more than ever.

1. Learn about CPB’s role in public media – Corporation for Public Broadcasting
2. Make your voice heard by visiting ProtectMyPublicMedia.org for resources to help you contact members of Congress and sign a petition
3. Donate to c89.5