In the US, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down due to loss of funding
The US Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced its closure after Congress, on the initiative of Donald Trump, completely cut off its funding. This is stated in the official statement of the CPB, informs Fox News.
“We are beginning to phase out our operations following the adoption of the federal spending reduction package”, says the message.
For nearly six decades, CPB has provided funding for National Public Radio and Public Television. Currently, most of the employees will be laid off by the end of September.
“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who have called, written and petitioned Congress to maintain federal funding for CPB, we are forced to face the harsh reality of our termination. Public broadcasting has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life.” – said the president and CEO of the corporation, Patricia Harrison.
The shutdown follows a decision by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and President Trump’s initiative to defund CPB by $1.1 billion over two years. It came as part of a broader plan to cut spending on public media and international aid programs totaling $9 billion.
During its 57 years of operation, the corporation has distributed more than $500 million annually to PBS, NPR and more than 1,500 local public media stations across the country. Despite state support, these media are largely dependent on audience donations, sponsorships from private businesses, and funding from local budgets.
