#ProtectMyPublicMedia
It’s time to take a stand for this trusted public service you rely on.
On April 28, The White House will deliver a package to Congress requesting the elimination of $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This move would effectively dismantle the public media ecosystem by defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation that supports 1,300 local public media stations across the country, like Minnesota Public Radio, as well as NPR and PBS.
This action would have a devastating impact on public media stations across the country and erode the services that you and so many others rely on. These services, including news, music and culture, educational programs, and the emergency alert system, are offered to all Minnesotans for free, without paywalls, connecting our communities across the state.
We make these services freely available to our communities because public service is at the core of everything we do. Our communities count on us, and we will stand strong to continue to serve them.
What you need to know now:
The White House proposal comes after Congress extended federal funding for the CPB through fiscal year 2027 in February. Federal funding for government programs, including support for public media, is currently authorized under a Continuing Resolution. Both the U.S. House and Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend FY2024 federal funding levels through the rest of FY2025, with a few alterations and adjustments. It includes level funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (the two-year advance to FY 2027), as well as Interconnection and the Next Generation Warning System.
MPR received 6% last year of its budget from the CPB. The impact of the elimination of CPB funding could extend beyond the direct grant to MPR by reducing the capacity of smaller stations to acquire content produced or distributed by MPR and American Public Media.
The FCC launched an investigation into the underwriting practices of NPR and PBS, and their member stations. In announcing the investigation, the FCC chairman expressly indicated his opinion that NPR and PBS should no longer receive taxpayer dollars.
The Presidents and CEOs of NPR and PBS, Katherine Maher and Paula Kerger, testified at a Congressional Oversight DOGE subcommittee (Marjorie Taylor Greene R-GA, Chair) hearing on federal funding of public media and bias in content on March 26.
How to Help
There are many ways to show your support for MPR.
1. Take action: Sign our petition to let Congress know you oppose efforts to defund the CPB and demonstrate your unwavering support for these valuable public media services.
We will deliver the petition to the White House and Congress.
2. Speak out: Share what public media means to you!
Your voice is important! As a listener and supporter, what does Minnesota Public Radio mean to you? Share your brief story, and we may share your words on our website, email, and on air.
3. Tune in, log on and engage with your favorite MPR content
Show your support for public media by tuning in to MPR News, The Current, YourClassical MPR every day on the radio, podcast, web, apps, and social media.
4. Make a Donation
Donations to MPR support trusted journalism, music discovery, and community conversation for all – no matter where you live or how you listen. From the broadcast to the podcast, on-air and online, gifts from individuals power everything you find at MPR. Make a donation today.
5. Take Action with Protect My Public Media
Take the Protect My Public Media pledge and contact your legislators.
Why is Minnesota Public Radio and the public media ecosystem important?
As the second largest local public media station in the nation, MPR delivers programming and services of unparalleled value across the region.
Public media is the country’s only no-cost, commercial-free, local, nonprofit news and information service, resulting from a highly efficient public-private partnership.
Public media strengthens our society by delivering balanced, fact-based insights and diverse perspectives that foster meaningful dialogue and build community connections while serving as the backbone of emergency alert systems that keep Americans informed and safe during emergencies.
Contact Us
Inquiries for Minnesota Public Radio should be directed to our Member & Audience Services department by using our our contact form or by phone at 651-290-1212 | 1-800-228-7123. (Phones open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, open 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT Fridays).