Last updated at 9 a.m. Friday, July 18. This story was originally published on March 6, but is being updated as the situation develops.
In a major blow to public media, Congress approved President Donald Trump’s request to cancel $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports NPR and PBS. The package also slashed $8 billion in funding for foreign aid programs.
The House narrowly passed the measure early Friday morning with a 216–213 vote. Two Republicans—Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio)—broke ranks to vote against it.
The Senate narrowly passed it on Thursday, 51–48, with Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voting in opposition. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) was hospitalized and missed the vote.
If you’re wondering what the rescission means for public media stations like WWNO, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.
What is CPB's role in public broadcasting?
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), authorized by Congress in 1967, is a private, nonprofit corporation. CPB is not a broadcaster, but allocates funding to more than 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations to provide audiences with local content.
CPB received more than $500 million per year through the federal budget. That's less than 0.01% of the $6.9 trillion federal budget. This money goes primarily to local PBS and NPR member stations like WWNO, and they use this funding, in part, to procure programming from national producers and produce local programming.The funding had been allocated two years in advance to protect it from political influence.
This is the largest single source of funding for public radio, television, and related online and mobile service, ensuring that nearly 99% of the U.S. population has access to public media, with 42 million people tuning in each week. For every dollar in federal grant money a station receives, it generates $8 in return.
What happens now?
For WWNO, this means an immediate loss of $220,000 — about 8% of our annual revenue. We’ll lose federal support for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and the station will stop receiving CPB funds on Oct. 1. We’ll need to make up that gap every year for at least the next two years, and possibly beyond.
Without this money, WWNO faces cuts to essential services like public safety communications during disasters, other emergency alerts, and cultural and educational programming, and would need to cover the costs of music rights and satellite services, on its own.
The cuts are expected to seriously impact programming at other stations, especially smaller ones in rural areas. Some receive more than 50% of their revenue from CPB.
WWNO is fortunate to have broad support from the community, relying primarily on donations from our members and local business underwriters. We don’t air conventional advertising or receive funds from NPR, the State of Louisiana, or direct financial support from the University of New Orleans, where we are based.
How can I help?
Donate
Click here for links to the many ways you can support WWNO. You can become a member or donate your stock, car, and more.
Stay informed and spread the word
Learn more about how you can support WWNO and other stations by visiting Protect My Public Media’s website. There, you’ll find helpful insights on public media’s mission, funding, and how to take action.
Personal stories from listeners play a crucial role in funding decisions, so share why public media matters to you and encourage others to support WWNO.
