Impact of Trump's NPR and PBS Eliminations on an Individual Raised in Rural North Carolina

Impacts of Trump's cuts on public broadcasting services (NPR and PBS) for individuals brought up in rural North Carolina

In a surprising move that didn't come as a complete shock, President Donald Trump signed an executive order slashing federal funds for NPR and PBS on May 1. The order essentially orders the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease direct funding to NPR and PBS, indicating a shift in policy aimed at halting biased and partisan news coverage with federal dollars. Furthermore, Trump has directed the CPB Board to decline any future funding and to ensure that no federal money is used for NPR and PBS by recipients of CPB funds, including station licensees and permittees.

This action comes after Trump's March demand on Truth Social for public broadcasting to be nixed by Congress. He remarked, "NPR and PBS, two horrendous, biased platforms (Networks!), should be DEFUNDED by Congress, IMMEDIATELY. Republicans, take advantage of this moment to rid our Country of this gigantic SCAM, both arms of the Radical Left Democrat Party. JUST SAY NO AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

As a tax lawyer working as a senior writer for Forbes in a bustling metropolis, I may seem impartial, yet my feelings about this issue are anything but. Growing up in a conservative family residing in rural North Carolina, my family was an NPR household. I'm certainly not neutral when it comes to defending the fate of these public media outlets.

About PBS and NPR

PBS is a non-profit broadcast television network established in 1969. Consisting of more than 330 member stations across the U.S., PBS produces its own content or airs programs created by others. Well-known shows like "NewsHour" and "Masterpiece" (responsible for introducing countless Americans to "Downton Abbey") are staples of the network.

Initially created to provide programming, particularly to those in rural areas and those who couldn't afford private television, PBS played a significant role in educating and informing viewers. Today, PBS reaches approximately 130 million people, with 60% of its audience still residing in rural communities.

NPR, founded a year later in 1970, incorporated 88 member stations representing non-commercial, educational, and community radio stations across the country. Nearly all American citizens can now tune into a public radio station.

PBS and NPR in My Life

I proudly call myself a PBS kid. My kindergarten days were filled with sneaking off the nap mat to catch "Sesame Street." I later graduated to shows like "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," "Electric Company," and "3-2-1 Contact." As a sick kid, I passed the time by daydreaming about becoming a famous artist while watching "The Joy of Painting" and imagining time travel, courtesy of Doctor Who (while PBS didn't officially air "Doctor Who," many affiliates chose to make episodes available).

My family and I spent evenings together watching "Anne of Green Gables," "All Creatures Great and Small," Rick Steves travel shows, and Agatha Christie mysteries. We also enjoyed music performances – my dad introduced us to the Boston Pops and the British Proms thanks to NPR. Radio was important, too. We listened to NPR in the car, enjoying episodes of "All Things Considered," "Car Talk," and "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me." For years, I drifted off to sleep listening to "A Prairie Home Companion."

Although it wasn't politically-charged programming, my conservative parents preferred it as they thought it was more family-friendly compared to "regular" network programming. Their opinion hasn't changed: more than two-thirds of PBS's audience identify as Republican or Independent.

Opposition to Funding

Despite its widespread support, PBS (like NPR) has faced opposition since its early days. In Congress, funding for PBS was challenged nearly as soon as its inception. In 1969, Fred Rogers testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend the proposed funding for the then newly formed non-profit CPB.

By the end of the testimony, Sen. John O. Pastore (D-RI) had become a supporter, stating, "I think it's wonderful. I think it's wonderful. Looks like you just earned the 20 million dollars."

Years later, funding again became a topical issue during the 2012 Republican presidential debate, with then-GOP nominee Mitt Romney declaring his intention to cut unnecessary programs like PBS to reduce the deficit. Eventually, Romney and Paul Ryan secured the Republican nomination but lost the presidential election to Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

The funding Romney mentioned in the debates made it seem as though taxpayers were solely supporting Big Bird and the Sesame Street gang, but that's not the case.

Funding

PBS and NPR receive their primary support from viewers and donors, with a mere 15% of PBS's budget coming from federal funds. The federal funding directed to CPB, however, doesn't go directly to PBS and NPR. Instead, it supports various content development, community services, and local station needs.

In recent years, PBS has received around $535 million annually from Congress, or just under $1.60 per U.S. person per year. In the 2024 budget, the U.S. federal government will spend around $6.9 trillion. Funding for PBS represents less than 1% of the federal budget – barely 1/100th of 1%.

Cutting federal support for PBS and NPR won't save the budget significantly.

What Comes Next

Facing the prospect of defunding, the CPB, PBS, and NPR are examining their options, with a lawsuit potentially on the horizon to halt the defunding process. PBS CEO Paula Kerger has described the executive order as "blatantly unlawful," with both NPR and PBS indicating their intention to legally challenge the order. With cuts, smaller and rural public television and radio stations may struggle to stay afloat without federal funds. Although initially established to serve those very communities, smaller markets may have to shut down if alternate funding sources are not found.

It remains to be seen if the defunding efforts will succeed in the face of ongoing litigation and judicial scrutiny.

The executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May aims to slash federal funds for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), as part of a policy shift to halt biased and partisan news coverage with federal dollars.
In response to Trump's defunding push, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS are contemplating legal measures to challenge the executive order, potentially leading to a lawsuit.
On LinkedIn, Christie, a policy-and-legislation enthusiast, might discuss the political implications of the executive order and its impact on public media outlets like PBS and NPR.
Despite the potential defunding, rural communities, who are significant consumers of PBS content (approximately 60% of PBS's audience resides in rural areas), may struggle to maintain public television and radio stations without federal support.