Channels with Peter Kafka PBS Lost a Billion Dollars. Now what? With CEO Paula Kerger
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 
Paula Kerger, the longtime CEO of PBS, discusses the challenges of filling a $1 billion funding gap after major federal cuts. She highlights how crucial federal funds are for rural stations and explores initiatives like a $100M bridge fund supported by donors such as John Oliver. Kerger emphasizes the ongoing lobbying for restored funding and the importance of public media in local civic life, particularly in education and children's programming. She also touches on PBS's digital expansion to adapt to changing viewer habits.
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Federal Funding Built Nationwide Coverage
- Federal funding made PBS a nationwide system protecting underserved areas like rural Alaska and Appalachia.
- Losing that funding risks local stations that rely on it for 30–56% of their budgets and leaves coverage gaps.
Use Bridge Funds To Buy Runway
- Create a bridge fund to give vulnerable stations runway instead of immediate collapse.
- Raise targeted philanthropy (e.g., $100M goal) to stabilize stations and buy planning time.
Share Infrastructure Across Stations
- Encourage stations to share back-office services and statewide collaborations to cut costs.
- Pool sponsorships and co-produce content across regions to increase efficiency and reach.
