CPB Shutdown in 2025 Puts Future of Public Media and KUNR Funding at Risk

Las Vegas, NV—August 1, 2025—The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the federal agency that has supported America’s public radio and television system for nearly six decades, announced it will cease operations by early 2026 after losing federal funding. The decision has sparked widespread concern about the future of public media, including the survival of local NPR stations such as KUNR in Reno.

In a message to public broadcasting partners, CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison confirmed that most staff positions will end on September 30, 2025, at the close of the fiscal year. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to oversee the shutdown, finalize grant distributions, and manage long-term obligations such as music rights and royalties.

The shutdown follows the passage of a federal rescissions package and the Senate’s decision to exclude CPB funding from the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. With no approved federal funding, CPB said it has “no choice but to begin taking steps toward an orderly and responsible shutdown.”

“For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its mission established by Congress to help build and sustain a trusted public media system—one that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country,” Harrison said in her statement. “Public media will endure. Let’s utilize the next several months to make that happen.”

Impact on Public Radio and NPR Network

The CPB shutdown will directly affect hundreds of public radio and television stations nationwide. CPB funds are crucial for local journalism, educational content, cultural programming, and compliance with federal broadcast requirements.

At KUNR (Reno Public Radio), General Manager Brian Duggan called the announcement a “significant update” with serious implications. In a letter to staff and supporters, he noted that the decision will impact music rights coverage, grant distributions, and federal compliance standards.

“This will have repercussions for KUNR and the entire public media ecosystem,” Duggan said. He added that discussions are already underway within the NPR network to design a new funding model for public broadcasting without CPB support.

“KUNR is at the table in those discussions,” Duggan assured, emphasizing that public media leaders across the country are working to find solutions.

What Happens Next for Public Broadcasting?

While CPB will close, its leadership has pledged transparency, guidance, and updates as the system transitions. The agency’s board, chaired by Ruby Calvert, is overseeing the shutdown alongside Audit and Finance Chair Liz Sembler. Their priorities include finalizing financial obligations and ensuring compliance with federal law during the closure.

The end of CPB marks a historic turning point for U.S. public broadcasting policy. Since its creation in 1967, CPB has invested in children’s programming, educational initiatives, emergency communications, and trusted local journalism. Its closure now leaves stations with the urgent task of finding alternative revenue streams.

For listeners, viewers, and communities across the country, the coming months will be critical in determining the future of NPR, PBS, and local public radio and television stations.

Stay with Las Vegas Newspaper for continuing coverage of the CPB shutdown, NPR network updates, and the future of public media in America. For more breaking news and in-depth reporting on Nevada and beyond, follow us online and subscribe today.

Prince Adeyemi

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