Trump Plans to Eliminate Funding for Corporation for Public Broadcasting and More

The $1.1 trillion federal budget proposed by TRUMP includes the expected elimination of arts and public broadcasting expenditures.  The proposal is a first draft “skinny budget” that will precede a more detailed and broader proposal coming in the Spring. Among the cuts, the budget proposes eliminating funding for the CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING, which provides grants to public radio and television ($445 million), as well as cutting off money ($148 million for each) for arts programs the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES, and additional funding for the WOODROW WILSON INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SCHOLARS and the INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES. A statement from CPB President PATRICIA HARRISON addressing the proposed elimination of federal funding for her agency said, “There is no viable substitute for federal funding that ensures Americans have universal access to public media’s educational and informational programming and services. The elimination of federal funding to CPB would initially devastate and ultimately destroy public media’s role in early childhood education, public safety, connecting citizens to our history, and promoting civil discussions – all for Americans in both rural and urban communities. “Public media is one of America’s best investments. At approximately $1.35 per citizen per year, it pays huge dividends to every American. From expanding opportunity, beginning with proven children’s educational content to providing essential news and information as well as ensuring public safety and homeland security through emergency alerts, this vital investment strengthens our communities. It is especially critical for those living in small towns and in rural and undeserved areas. “Viewers and listeners appreciate that public media is non-commercial and available for free to all Americans. We will work with the new Administration and Congress in raising awareness that elimination of federal funding to CPB begins the collapse of the public media system itself and the end of this essential national service.”