550 public media layoffs

More than 550 layoffs have devastated public media since Trump gutted funding.

SIGN NOW: More than 550 layoffs have devastated public media since Trump gutted funding. Demand Congress restore funding for public media NOW >> SIGN THE PETITION Pamela, for millions of everyday Americans, public media is a part of our daily lives – whether we count on it for trusted morning news or educational shows for our kids. But ever since Trump and Congress gutted $1.1 billion in funding and effectively forced the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to close, public media stations across the country have been hit with at least 550 devastating layoffs. [1] In towns across America, local stations cover city hall, surface local corruption, and broadcast life-saving alerts when natural disasters strike. And nationally, PBS and NPR do what too many corporate networks won't: hold power accountable without fear or favor. As billionaire-owned media outlets cave to political pressure, public media refuses to back down. Public media is a lifeline for countless communities. That’s why this was never a simple budget cut – it's a calculated attempt to silence independent watchdogs, cut Americans off from trusted news, and clear the field for MAGA’s chosen narratives. Congress broke this crucial lifeline – and Congress can fix it. Join us to demand they step in, restore funding, and protect public media before it’s too late >> SIGN THE PETITION Here’s what else is at stake when public broadcasting comes under attack: Local stations are being forced to cancel community programs, and PBS kids had to cut 25% of its staff. [2] Now, far-right outlets like PragerU are rushing in – replacing beloved shows like Sesame Street with political propaganda targeted at children. [3] PBS [4] and NPR [5] remain the most trusted news sources in America. But as local affiliates have to cut staff or even shut down entirely, more and more Americans are forced to rely on corporate networks that are increasingly bowing to Trump. Rural Americans are getting hit the hardest. Nearly 250 rural stations are on the brink of shutting down – threatening to cut off millions of Americans, including many of Trump’s own voters, from their only source of local news and emergency alerts. [6] Defunding public media was never about saving money. It’s about silencing truth, weakening democracy, and emboldening Trump’s far-right agenda. That’s exactly why Trump wants this crucial resource gone. An informed public threatens his propaganda machine. Add your name: Tell Congress to restore funding now. We must save public media before it’s too late. Public media belongs to the people – not politicians or billionaires. And together, we can protect it. Thanks for all you do, The team at Common Cause [1] https://layoffs.semipublic.org/ [2] https://www.parents.com/pbs-defunding-what-parents-need-to-know-11734532 [3] https://prospect.org/education/2025-08-15-prageru-wants-to-capitalize-on-pbs-defunding/ [4] https://foundation.pbs.org/pbs-fast-facts/ [5] https://www.nationalpublicmedia.com/audience/ [6] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/us/politics/public-broadcast-cuts.html Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local, state, and national level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Americans. DONATE Interested in volunteering with our Action Team? Sign up here. 805 15th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 202.833.1200 https://commoncause.org Common Cause’s work to defend and strengthen our democracy is powered by members like you. You can use this link to unsubscribe or let us know you'd like to receive fewer emails from us.

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