Slate Daily Feed What Next | Is This the End of NPR and PBS?
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Jul 2, 2025 Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, dives into the Trump administration's controversial move to strip funding from PBS and NPR. He reflects on the historical context of public media funding and how it has evolved through the years. Stelter contrasts heartfelt appeals, like Mr. Rogers’ famous song for support, with today’s polarized political dialogues. The discussion highlights the vital role of public broadcasting in rural communities and the ongoing battle against perceived biases and funding cuts, emphasizing the stakes for independent journalism.
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Fred Rogers' 1969 Testimony
- Fred Rogers testified in Congress in 1969 to defend federal funding for public television.
- His calm, heartfelt presentation helped secure $20 million in funding, showing a rare moment of bipartisan support.
No Modern Mr. Rogers Moment
- There is no modern figure like Mr. Rogers to sway opinion in Congress today.
- Lawmakers currently show little interest in fact-finding or exploring pros and cons of public media.
Role of Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) was created to fund local public TV and radio stations.
- It ensures reliable funding for over 1,500 stations, enabling them to produce content without sudden budget losses.