How Trump public broadcasting cuts could hit rural America

July 14, 2025

A Senate vote this week could cut $1. 1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, threatening local stations like KOTZ in Kotzebue, Alaska, where reporter Desiree Hagan provides critical information during life-threatening weather conditions. President Trump strongly supports these cuts and has threatened to withdraw support from Republican senators who oppose them, claiming media bias.

Who is affected

Rural communities and residents in news deserts who rely on public broadcasting for vital information
Local public radio stations like KOTZ in Kotzebue, Alaska and Marfa Public Radio in west Texas
Alaska Native communities, particularly the Inupiat community where 90% of KOTZ's audience resides
Approximately 55 million Americans living in counties with limited or no local news sources
Public media stations across the country, particularly the 45% located in rural areas

What action is being taken

The Senate is currently considering a vote to rescind $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
President Trump is pressuring Republican senators to support the cuts, threatening to withdraw support from those who don't
Some Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, are voicing opposition to the proposed cuts
Local journalists like Desiree Hagan continue to provide critical information to their communities despite the uncertain future

Why it matters

For half of rural stations, federal grants constitute 25% or more of their revenue
Public broadcasting provides essential emergency information during severe weather events
The cuts would disproportionately impact rural America, where 206 counties have no local news source and 1,561 counties have just one source
Local stations like KOTZ provide culturally relevant programming, including broadcasts in native languages by community Elders
Public media serves areas where commercial media business models have not been sustainable

What's next

The bill must pass the Senate before July 18, and any changes would need to be approved by the House before going to President Trump for signature. If four Republican senators vote against the bill, it won't move forward.

Read full article from source: BBC