The Global Story The Republican crusade against public media
Mar 28, 2025
Micah Loewinger, co-host of On the Media, dives into the heated debate on public media funding under the Trump administration. He discusses the fierce political climate surrounding NPR and PBS, spotlighting Marjorie Taylor Greene's demands for accountability. Loewinger highlights the essential role public media plays in fostering free speech and civic engagement, particularly in rural areas where local journalism is vital. He underscores the risks of funding cuts that could undermine journalistic integrity and public accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Public Broadcasting Funding
- US public broadcasting receives federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
- CPB distributes funds to local stations, which use it to buy programs from NPR and PBS.
Public Broadcasting's Ideal
- Public broadcasting aims to be free from political and commercial influence.
- This ideal, championed by Lyndon B. Johnson, has faced consistent resistance and defunding attempts.
Historical Defunding Attempts
- Republican administrations, since Nixon, have attempted to defund public media.
- Mr. Rogers' 1970s testimony and public support have historically protected its funding.