Civic Media Stands Against Funding Cuts to Public Broadcasting

Madison, WI (July 22, 2025) – Congress has slashed funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB. The independent agency distributes funding to help support a variety of noncommercial radio and TV stations, including NPR, PBS, and many Tribal and independent community broadcasters across the country.

Created in 1967, the CPB provides vital support for noncommercial stations that deliver trusted news, cultural programming, and emergency information to communities—especially rural areas where these stations are often the only broadcast outlet. These cuts are expected to reduce programming, shrink newsrooms, and even lead to station closures. In addition to Wisconsin Public Radio, tribal stations like WOJB in Wisconsin and many of our state’s community radio outlets will be among the hardest hit.

These decisions are even more devastating since they “claw back” funding that’s already been allocated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That’s money stations had already planned around.

While Civic Media is not directly affected by the cuts, we see every day how our colleagues in public media bring needed news and information to underserved communities. These stations provide free, fact-based news and local content on one of the most accessible forms of media: broadcast radio and television. Their work is vital, and in some cases, life-saving.

We stand with our colleagues in public media against these cuts. We pledge to support their efforts. Local journalism matters. Independent, fact-based reporting and information are essential to a functioning democracy.

Protect My Public Media has been leading the effort to fight against cuts. Now, they’re urging Congress to restore public media funding. Find more at protectmypublicmedia.org.

About Civic Media

Civic Media is dedicated to providing quality broadcast and digital hometown radio focusing on local, regional, and state issues, covering the stories that are most relevant to the markets we serve. We believe radio plays a crucial role in the practice of democracy in our local communities, so we aim to provide programming that advances the understanding and engagement of its principles within our audience.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.