Never more vital. Never more vulnerable.

What you need to know

President Trump issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies to halt funding to NPR and PBS “to the maximum extent allowed by law.” The order also targets indirect support, prohibiting local public media stations and other grant recipients from using federal funds to support NPR or PBS.

This move marks a coordinated effort to destabilize the essential services public media provides.

In addition to the executive order, we have learned the White House has drafted a memo for Congress to eliminate all current and future federal funding for public media that is, at present, guaranteed through 2027. Meanwhile, a directive was issued from the new FCC chair to investigate NPR and PBS. NPR along with other media outlets have also been asked to vacate their long-standing Pentagon office spaces, further limiting press access and transparency.

These moves strike at the very foundation of independent journalism and public broadcasting. And while the discourse may be happening at the national level, the impact is profoundly local.

How you can help CPR

The future of public media — in Colorado and across the country — depends on a shared understanding of its value.

Your voice in support of continued federal funding is important. You can help us in two different, but equally critical ways today as we stand up against the most severe threats public media has ever faced.

Donate:
Your donation is a declaration. You can protect the future of CPR in Colorado with your donation today.

Advocate:
Your voice in support of continued federal funding is important. Urge Congress to save federal funding for public broadcasting.

What's at stake

Public media is not a partisan issue — it’s a public good.

Across the state, nearly twenty independent public radio and television stations provide essential services in their communities. Together, we share reporting, co-host statewide debates and provide critical election coverage. This network is a lifeline and it’s one that could be irreparably damaged by decisions at the federal level.

Here’s what’s at risk in Colorado:

• Trusted Journalism: CPR produces in-depth investigations into issues ranging from wildfires and tobacco lobbying to election security and public health crises. Our reporting holds those in power to account and remains free of commercial interests.
  
• Community Connection: From CPR Classical to Indie 102.3, we offer programming and music that enriches, educates and inspires. We lift up local musicians, preserve Colorado’s cultural history and tell stories that help people understand one another across political and geographic divides.
  
• Breaking News Coverage Access in Rural Areas: In rural and underserved parts of the state, CPR is often the only source of breaking news and public health updates. From COVID-19 dashboards to wildfire evacuations, we’re on the front lines of Colorado’s information ecosystem.

Learn More

News

Trump says he’s ending federal funding for NPR and PBS. They say he can’t

In an executive order, President Trump directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to stop funding NPR and PBS. They say he can't. PBS chief Paula Kerger calls it "blatantly unlawful".

By NPR

Editorial: Public media is a public good

To withdraw funding already promised and approved will impact local communities by weakening and possibly closing local stations.

By Stewart Vanderwilt

Not a Grift — A Public Good: How Colorado Public Radio Serves Our Communities

The White House tried to frame public media as a burden on taxpayers, we want to be clear about the independence and importance of public media.

By Colorado Public Radio Staff

PSA: Nathaniel Rateliff supports funding public media. Here’s why.

Colorado’s public media is where new voices are discovered, our kids can learn and Colorado matters are debated, Nathaniel Rateliff says.