Corporation for Public Broadcasting Votes to Dissolve After Nearly Six Decades of Support for Public Media

January 7, 2026 – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — the long-standing nonprofit that historically funneled federal support to public radio and television stations across the United States — has voted to dissolve the organization after 58 years of operation.

Created by Congress in 1967 under the Public Broadcasting Act, CPB served as the steward of federal investments in public media, distributing grants to more than 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations, including those affiliated with PBS and NPR. The corporation’s mission was to ensure broad access to noncommercial, educational, and informational programming nationwide, reaching rural, urban, and underserved communities alike.

Over the past year, CPB has faced mounting challenges after Congress rescinded more than $1.1 billion in federal funding, effectively eliminating the annual appropriations the organization relied upon to support public media operations. In response to the funding cuts — part of broader federal budget reductions — CPB’s board of directors voted on January 5, 2026, to formally wind down and dissolve the corporation rather than continue as a defunded entity.

CPB leaders said the decision was made to protect the integrity of the public media system and safeguard public broadcasting from further political and financial vulnerability. As the corporation ceases operations, its remaining resources will be allocated to support ongoing commitments and preserve historical archives.

While CPB itself is dissolving, many of the public radio and television stations it once supported continue to operate, relying on a mix of viewer and listener contributions, foundation grants, and other non-federal funding sources. The future of public broadcasting funding and national coordination remains uncertain as local stations adapt to the new landscape without federal support.