Mixed Signals from Semafor Media Trump’s war on public media, with PBS CEO Paula Kerger
Nov 28, 2025
Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, discusses the existential threats facing public broadcasting amid political attacks. She highlights how recent GOP efforts are more coordinated than before and the potential impact of losing federal funding on local stations. Kerger passionately defends PBS's unique role in providing quality children's programming and its importance as critical infrastructure for underserved communities. The conversation also touches on the influence of Trump's grievances, the ongoing fight to maintain bipartisan support, and comparisons to global public media challenges.
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Coordinated Political Attack Crippled Funding
- Paula Kerger outlines a concentrated political assault this year that combined FCC inquiries, congressional hearings, and an executive order.
- The actions quickly removed federal support and halted Ready to Learn funding, creating an acute funding crisis for stations.
Prioritize Emergency Funds For Vulnerable Stations
- Work immediately to create emergency reserves and help vulnerable stations plan for longer-term sustainability.
- Focus fundraising and partnerships on stations in small rural markets that face the steepest shortfalls.
Short Glide Path Made The Cuts Existential
- Kerger describes the rescission as an immediate three-month glide path to zero funding rather than a multi-year phase-out.
- Some local stations rely on federal dollars for up to half their budgets, making the cut existential for them.
