In the wake of the new Trump administration, numerous changes have been implemented within the US government. Some of these changes include restructuring of federal bureaucracies, ending DEI programs, and changing policies on foreign investment. One major change includes cutting federal funding for networks like PBS and NPR.

PBS and NPR are examples of nonprofit organizations, with a focus on providing educational and cultural news programming across the country. These organizations were initially created to ensure Americans had access to non-commercial, educational, independent media, and were supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which was a nonprofit organization created by Congress in 1967. Due to these cuts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has since shut down, resulting in a significant impact on local stations.

Cutting funds affects more than listeners-many local and rural stations have laid off workers or closed. For instance, a Minnesota station reported having to find an extra $1 million after the cuts. The legality of the executive order has been questioned. PBS called the order “blatantly unlawful”, as Congress, not the President, created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

PBS and NPR offer more than radio. They support journalism, public arts, culture, community, and education. PBS Kids, known for research backed, non commercial educational programs, may stop its programs due to these cuts. Reducing funding limits free access, especially in rural and low-income areas. These programs helped raise millions of children-Yesha Karol (Grade 11) said, “PBS Kids shows were an important part of my childhood … I learned numerous valuable lessons about how to be a better person in my daily life”. Another student, Katherine Yao (Grade 11) said, “PBS Kids really showed me life lessons, such as critical thinking and helped reinforce habits like kindness and compassion”.

These programs provided education, not just entertainment, and less funding may widen the gap between rural and well-resourced areas. The reduction in funding for these programs will be felt in every corner of the nation, impacting millions in various ways. These cuts go beyond TV; they affect how millions engage with media, especially children who rely on free, quality educational programs.