PBS North Carolina responds to Corporation for Public Broadcasting announcing closure

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After the Corporation for Public Broadcasting said its shut down has begun Friday, PBS North Carolina released a response to the announcement.

PBS NC CEO and General Manager David Crabtree said in a statement that PBS NC is saddened by the announcement of the CPB’s closure.

“For over 50 years, CPB has been a foundational pillar of America’s public media landscape, championing trusted journalism, educational content and access for all,” Crabtree wrote.

Crabtree said funding from CPB makes up about 15% of PBS NC’s yearly budget, but CPB’s value goes beyond money.

“We are profoundly grateful for CPB’s steadfast support and for the meaningful partnerships we’ve built with its dedicated team,” Crabtree’s statement reads. “Their belief in our mission has helped us serve North Carolinians with integrity, purpose and care.”

Crabtree added PBS NC is exploring ways to manage the loss of funding, while maintaining its commitment to the public broadcasting company’s mission.

Crabtree’s statement ends with, “To everyone who believes in the power and promise of public media: thank you. Your continued support is more important than ever.”

The CPB cited legislation passed by Republicans last month that yanked back two years’ worth of advanced funding at the request of President Trump, amounting to a clawback of more than $1 billion for fiscal 2026 and 2027, as the reason for the shutdown.

It also pointed to a lack of funding for the CPB in an annual funding bill advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, saying it was the first time in more than five decades the funding had been left out.

The CPB said most of its employees jobs would conclude at the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, while a small transition team would work through January “to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations.”

Many Republicans have defended cutting funding for the CPB, accusing NPR and PBS, both of which receive CPB funding, of political bias. Those same Republicans have repeatedly downplayed the threat of the cuts on media access.

Some Republicans have raised concerns about the cuts they say will have a disproportionate impact on local stations.

Some members are hopeful of Congress approving some funding for local media ahead of a looming Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government for fiscal 2026.