The closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will have far-reaching consequences for public media in the United States, according to prominent entertainment lawyer Bruce Ramer. Ramer, who has served on the CPB board for 16 years and as chairman for multiple terms, emphasized the vital role of federal funding in sustaining the public media system.
Following the Trump administration’s decision to strip CPB of its funding and reclaim $1.1 billion in allocated funds for 2026 and 2027, the CPB announced its impending shutdown in September. CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison expressed disappointment at the outcome, despite efforts by millions of Americans to advocate for continued federal support.
The CPB, which is based in Washington, D.C. and employs around 100 staff members, received $525 million in funding from the Biden administration in 2024. This funding supported public radio and TV stations, including affiliates of NPR and PBS, as well as independent media outlets.
Ramer highlighted the impact of CPB funding on stations like Marfa Public Radio, which plays a crucial role in providing essential news and emergency information to residents in southwest Texas. Without CPB funding, the future of such stations is uncertain, as these funds serve as seed money for stations to engage in fundraising efforts.
The dismantling of the CPB is particularly poignant for Ramer, given his longstanding involvement with the organization. He underscored the non-partisan nature of CPB decision-making, which is designed to insulate the organization from political influence.
Established by Congress in 1967, the CPB has been instrumental in supporting a wide range of public media content, from educational programs like “Sesame Street” to news programs like “PBS NewsHour.” The loss of CPB funding jeopardizes not only the production of these programs but also the technical and infrastructure development of stations.
Ramer expressed sadness at the closure of the CPB, noting its significant contributions to the nation’s media landscape. He remains hopeful that the CPB structure can be revived in the future under a different administration.
As Ramer reflects on his time on the CPB board and the importance of public media, he emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable resource for future generations. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic about the possibility of saving the CPB and its essential role in American media.
