Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, May 2: President Donald Trump signed an executive order late Thursday, directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and PBS. Trump accused both organizations of providing ‘biased and partisan news coverage’ and argued that government funding of media in the current, diverse media landscape was both ‘outdated’ and ‘corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence.’
The move has already drawn criticism, with Trump’s detractors questioning its potential to stifle independent journalism. NPR and PBS, which collectively receive nearly $1 billion in public funding annually, have long been accused by Trump and his supporters of promoting left-wing ideologies, an allegation both organizations have denied.
Trump’s executive order claims that neither NPR nor PBS presents ‘fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal’ of current events, despite them receiving significant public support. He emphasized that the issue isn't the viewpoints these organizations promote but their failure to maintain impartiality.
In a statement responding to the order, NPR expressed concerns that eliminating CPB funding would severely impact local and national communities that rely on public radio for trusted news, emergency alerts, and public safety information.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger echoed similar concerns, stressing that defunding the network would disrupt vital services and that PBS's work had always enjoyed bipartisan support.
This executive order follows Trump’s longstanding criticism of public broadcasters and comes amid a broader crackdown on media coverage of his administration. Several CPB board members were removed this week, prompting a lawsuit over their dismissal, although a judge ruled that the administration must give 48 hours' notice before replacing them.
Critics argue that Trump’s actions contribute to a ‘chilling effect’ on press freedoms, including limiting media access to the Oval Office and Pentagon. This latest move marks a continuing battle between the Trump administration and independent news outlets, with some questioning the impact on the overall integrity of journalism in the US.