A year after President Trump signed legislation ending federal support for public broadcasting, stations across the country have faced layoffs but also raised new donations and pursued innovations to stay afloat.
More than 500 public media staffers lost jobs following the July 2025 law that halted nearly six decades of federal funding. Rural outlets dependent on government money were hit hardest, with South Dakota Public Broadcasting canceling its public affairs show and laying off seven of 11 journalists.
Listener contributions surged in response. South Dakota Public Broadcasting secured a record $8 million, allowing it to rehire host Lori Walsh for a daily podcast. KSUT in Colorado raised funds for solar panels and a first endowment while winning a lawsuit against the initial executive order targeting the funds.
NPR cut its news and podcast staff by about 4 percent through buyouts and received an $80 million gift for digital work. WNIN in Indiana laid off 20 percent of employees yet expects a surplus this year after members gave over $1 million.
NPR now has 242 member stations, down by just two. Executives express both hope from the support and anxiety over whether donations will continue at current levels.
