Public media has long served as one of the most trusted sources of independent journalism in the United States — providing non-commercial news, educational programming, and local reporting to communities nationwide. Today, that system faces one of the most serious threats in its history.
Earlier this month, Donald Trump escalated his attacks on independent journalism. After issuing an executive order targeting NPR and PBS as so-called “biased media,” he formally asked Congress to rescind $1.1 billion already appropriated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). If approved, this unprecedented move would strip essential funding from local radio and TV stations, rural and tribal news outlets, and trusted national networks like PBS and NPR.
Congress has just 45 legislative days to respond. If they don’t approve the rescission, the funds must be released. But if they do approve, public media faces devastating cuts — and communities across the country will lose vital access to trusted, independent news.
“55 million people in the United States have no or only one source of local news, and rural counties are far more likely to lose their local news outlets.” — Letter from 29 U.S. Senators opposing the rescission [source]
At UCC Media Justice, we know that attacks on independent journalism are attacks on democracy itself. Our ministry was born out of the civil rights movement, when Rev. Dr. Everett C. Parker — at the urging of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — challenged broadcasters that refused to cover the struggle for racial justice. Today, we continue that work, advocating for media that serves all people.
Public media remains one of the most trusted news sources because it’s publicly funded and accountable to the people — not corporate advertisers or political interests. A 2025 study found that nearly half of Americans rate PBS’s value for public dollars as “excellent,” and many specifically trust it because of its public funding structure [source].
This isn’t just about dollars — it’s about democracy, truth, and who gets to control the public narrative.
The attempt to defund public media isn’t just wrong — it’s illegal. Congress already approved this funding, and now Trump is asking them to reverse course and silence independent voices. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 makes clear that if Congress doesn’t approve the rescission within 45 days, the funds must be released.
Our faith calls us to speak up for truth, justice, and accountable media that reflects the full diversity of God’s people. We need many voices and outlets — and public media remains a critical part of that media ecosystem.
Take action today: Urge Congress to vote NO on the public media rescission.