Local public media organizations – especially small and rural stations – are facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty following the loss of federal funding.
Without additional support, many of these stations risk reducing service or closing altogether, leaving millions without access to trusted local content and services.
Why this Matters
Local public media is more than just TV and radio. These organizations provide:
- Trusted information and cultural programming that serves people across political and geographic divides.
- Educational content for children and lifelong learners.
- Critical emergency alerts during natural disasters, wildfires, and severe weather.
- A backbone for local journalism in many communities.
For many rural and underserved areas, local public media is the only source of free, noncommercial content. Learn more about why we see public media as a solution to the local news crisis.
Who’s Most at Risk
The funding cuts most deeply affect small, rural, and under-resourced stations that historically relied on public funding to operate. These stations often serve communities with few other local media outlets, meaning their closure would create or worsen “news deserts” and cut off other vital local services.
Check out these resources to get a sense of which stations are most at risk:
- Where Congress’s Cuts Threaten Access to PBS and NPR, New York Times (July 18, 2025)
- Here’s How Many Public Media Stations Are at Risk of Closing, semipublic (July 17, 2025)
- Estimating and Predicting Financial Distress in Public Media Entities, semipublic (July 10, 2025)
How You Can Help
Funders, civic leaders, and partners can play a direct role in protecting this essential service:
- Support Local Stations. Donate directly to local public media stations – especially smaller ones in rural areas or those serving historically underfunded communities, such as HBCU and Native public media organizations. Interested donors should check out semipublic’s online Adopt a Station tool.
- Contribute to the Bridge Fund. Join the foundations and individuals supporting the Public Media Bridge Fund to help secure local public media service for organizations and communities facing the greatest risks. Learn more about the Bridge Fund and how you can help.
- Be a Voice for Change. Encourage others to support local public media. Advocate within your networks and let your elected officials know that public media matters. For further information and direction, check out Protect My Public Media.
Local public media is a cornerstone of civic life and community connection. With targeted support, it can continue to serve millions during this uncertain period.
Need Guidance? Send us an email – we’re happy to help target your support where it can have the greatest impact.