#ProtectMyPublicMedia

Protect My Public Media Day – March 6

Public media is facing funding cuts at the federal level that would significantly impact our programming, including news, music and culture, educational programs and the emergency alert system.

The White House is seeking the elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation that supports 1,300 local public media stations across the country, like Minnesota Public Radio, as well as NPR and PBS.

This would effectively dismantle the public media ecosystem.Take a stand for this trusted public service you rely on today.

  • The White House sent a proposed rescission package to Congress on June 3. This $9.4 billion package includes a $1.1 billion cut in funding for the CPB, taking back money previously appropriated by Congress. Congress has 45 days to consider the proposal, and it only requires a majority vote to pass. If it is not passed in that timeframe, by July 18, the proposal dies.
  • The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4, the Rescission Act of 2025, on June 12, and now the bill is with the Senate for consideration. The Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing on the bill on Wednesday, June 25 with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget testifying The Senate may vote on the package in the coming weeks.
  • President Trump issued an Executive Order called “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media” on May 1, which prohibits any public media station that receives CPB or other federal funds from using those dollars for NPR and PBS. The CPB has issued a statement asserting it is not a federal government agency subject to the President's authority. NPR and three public media stations in Colorado have filed a lawsuit against the Administration claiming this order violates the Constitution and First Amendment rights. PBS also filed a lawsuit.
  • The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed an amicus brief in support of NPR’s lawsuit against the Administration, with MPR signing on along with 28 other stations. Attorneys General from 23 states filed an amicus brief in support of NPR and their member stations, as did the ACLU.
  • In April, President Trump attempted to fire three members of the CPB Board. The CPB immediately filed a lawsuit against the Administration noting that CPB is an independent organization, not a government entity, and its board members are not government officers. Although the judge in this case did not grant an emergency injunction, the court recognized the independence of the CPB as it was established to be a private non-profit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. The three Board members were retained.
  • President Trump released his FY26 Budget Proposal on May 2, which proposed the elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It is important to note that while this budget proposal provides a guide to Congress regarding the President's priorities, it is not binding. It is up to Congress to determine funding levels for the CPB.
  • The Minnesota State Legislature adjourned after a one-day special session, during which they completed their budget for the next biennium. The money MPR receives through the Minnesota Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund was cut in half to $1 million per year for FY26-27. MPR's General Fund allocation to help maintain the emergency alert system stayed constant at just over $1 million per year for FY26-27.

How to Help

There are many ways to show your support for MPR.

1. Contact your representatives

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Bill of 2025, to eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and now it goes to the Senate for consideration. This bill would effectively dismantle the public media system.Please reach out to your federal representatives and urge them to vote against these cuts.

2. Sign our petition

Take action: Let Congress know you oppose efforts to defund the CPB. We will deliver the petition to the White House, as well as state and federal legislators.

Sign Petition

3. Share what public media means to you

Speak out: Your voice is important! As a listener and supporter, what does Minnesota Public Radio mean to you? Share your brief story, and we may share your words on our website, email, social media and on air.

Share your story

4. Tune in, log on and engage

Show your support for public media by tuning in to MPR News, The Current, YourClassical MPR every day on the radio, podcast, web, apps, and social media.

5. Make a donation

Donations to MPR support trusted journalism, music discovery, and community conversation for all – no matter where you live or how you listen. From the broadcast to the podcast, on-air and online, gifts from individuals power everything you find at MPR. Make a donation today.

Donate

2. Sign our petition

Take action: Let Congress know you oppose efforts to defund the CPB. We will deliver the petition to the White House, as well as state and federal legislators.

Sign Petition

3. Share what public media means to you

Speak out: Your voice is important! As a listener and supporter, what does Minnesota Public Radio mean to you? Share your brief story, and we may share your words on our website, email, social media and on air.

Share your story

4. Tune in, log on and engage

Show your support for public media by tuning in to MPR News, The Current, YourClassical MPR every day on the radio, podcast, web, apps, and social media.

5. Make a Donation

Donations to MPR support trusted journalism, music discovery, and community conversation for all – no matter where you live or how you listen. From the broadcast to the podcast, on-air and online, gifts from individuals power everything you find at MPR. Make a donation today.

Donate

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Show Your Support

Show your support for public media by purchasing this "Power to the Public. Media for the People." T-shirt. We hope you wear it loud and proud!
 

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Why is Minnesota Public Radio and the public media ecosystem important?  

  • As the second largest local public media station in the nation, MPR delivers programming and services of unparalleled value across the region.

  • Public media is the country’s only no-cost, commercial-free, local, nonprofit news and information service, resulting from a highly efficient public-private partnership.

  • Public media strengthens our society by delivering balanced, fact-based insights and diverse perspectives that foster meaningful dialogue and build community connections while serving as the backbone of emergency alert systems that keep Americans informed and safe during emergencies.

Contact Us 

Inquiries for Minnesota Public Radio should be directed to our Member & Audience Services department by using our our contact form or by phone at 651-290-1212 | 1-800-228-7123. (Phones open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, open 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT Fridays).