Public Media Matters

On June 12, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of a proposal from the White House to rescind two years of already-approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This includes funding that helps support local stations like Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ.

What is the Rescission Proposal?

The proposal would eliminate advance funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, funding that public media stations across the country rely on to plan, produce, and deliver trusted content, educational services, and community programs.

Why It Matters

For Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ, these cuts would mean the loss of approximately $3 million annually, impacting:

• PBS KIDS programming that supports early childhood learning
• Local journalism and storytelling through shows like American Black Journal and One Detroit
• Classical and jazz programming on 90.9 WRCJ
• Educational initiatives and community outreach across Southeast Michigan

What’s Next

The rescission proposal now moves to the U.S. Senate. If passed there, it would strip away critical resources that serve millions of Americans; especially children, educators, and underserved communities.

Where We Stand

We’re working closely with our national partners and elected officials to fight this proposal and protect public media for the people who depend on it. The outcome is far from certain—and your voice continues to matter.

MAY 8, 2025 - Federal support for PBS and NPR is under serious threat in 2025. An Executive Order has directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop all direct and indirect funding to PBS and NPR, preventing local stations like Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ from using CPB support to deliver national programming.

In addition, a rescission proposal is expected that would cancel two years of already-approved CPB funding. For Detroit PBS, this would mean a sudden $3 million budget shortfall, putting at risk essential services like children's education, local journalism, and access to the arts.

The U.S. Department of Education has also terminated the Ready To Learn grant, a $30 million program over five years that funded PBS KIDS content and educational outreach to underserved communities nationally. This loss further threatens access to trusted early learning resources.

These actions could have severe consequences nationwide. Many small and rural stations rely heavily on CPB support to remain operational. Without it, they may be forced to close—cutting off millions from free, high-quality, and educational programming.

Since the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, federal funding has ensured access to noncommercial media for all Americans. That promise is now at risk.

Detroit PBS is working with partners across the country to protect this vital funding. Public media is more than a service — it’s a lifeline for education, civic engagement, and trusted information.