What happens if Senate votes to cut funding for PBS and NPR stations?

PBS and NPR stations are at risk of losing federal funding that has supported them for decades. The Senate is set to vote on a measure to rescind nearly $1.1 billion in funding for public media. If the funding is cut, stations may go off the air, have fewer shows, and face budget shortfalls. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting distributes funds to over 1,500 stations, and the proposed cuts would impact them starting this fall. While larger stations may cope better, smaller ones in rural areas could struggle. Funding cuts could lead to fewer programs and impact popular shows like 'Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood' and documentaries by filmmakers like Ken Burns.

Conservative activists have pushed to defund NPR due to perceived bias. NPR and PBS rely on federal funding for a small portion of their revenue, but member station fees are crucial. The national networks are preparing for potential funding cuts and warn of fewer programs and local journalism. Republicans argue that taxpayer support for public media is unnecessary, while Democrats defend the system as vital for emergency information and objective reporting.

According to the source: CNN.