This month, President Trump submitted a rescission request to Congress seeking to eliminate $1.1 billion in pre-approved funding for public broadcasting for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The House approved this request on June 12, and it now heads to the Senate for a final decision.
If approved, nearly 13 million Americans—especially in rural, remote, and disaster-prone areas—could lose access to public radio and television stations, which often serve as the sole source of lifesaving emergency information during hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other severe weather events.
The Report:
- 112 public stations (79 radio, 33 TV) in 34 states and territories face shutdown risk due to federal cuts.
- These stations serve some of the most disaster-vulnerable regions in the West, Midwest, and Southeast.
- 70% of federal funds go directly to local public broadcasters to support content, interconnection, and emergency services.
- Replacing these services privately would cost more than twice as much, a burden many communities cannot afford.
- Some rural stations rely on federal funds for over 70% of their operating budget—without this support, they may go silent.
- In disaster scenarios, when cell service and power fail, battery-powered or car radios often provide the only reliable connection to emergency alerts, via public radio.
“Without local broadcasting, families in rural areas may not receive critical alerts in time to get to safety.”
As the Senate prepares to vote, the decision could determine whether millions of Americans retain access to essential, trusted, and often lifesaving information, especially during times of crisis.
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/94559A4E-B293-4B21-87A7-…