Weakened US public broadcasters will fight for their lives in 2025
Weakened US public broadcasters will fight for their lives in 2025
As Republicans take power in Washington, there’s greater concern among public radio figures about the future of NPR and public radio broadly.
Summary
The Republican-led push to defund public broadcasters like NPR and PBS has gained new momentum with Sen. John Kennedy's proposed "No Propaganda Act," echoing longstanding conservative critiques of media bias and fiscal waste.
The effort is bolstered by changing media consumption habits, a weakened public radio audience, and competition from digital platforms like Spotify and The New York Times.
NPR faces challenges in adapting to a digital future, while internal divisions and declining funding threaten its sustainability.
Advocates warn this campaign may succeed where past efforts have failed.