The White House has put forth a rescissions package in Congress, seeking to eliminate over a billion dollars in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports NPR and PBS. This follows an executive order from President Donald Trump issued last month that aimed to defund the CPB, an order now entangled in lawsuits. Melissa Bell, CEO of Chicago Public Media, discussed the implications of these developments during an interview with WBEZ.
In her remarks, Bell explained that the rescissions package presents a more serious threat compared to the previous executive order. According to her, Congress has a 45-day window to reject or approve the rescission, effectively meaning that funding would be revoked for the next two years, 2026 and 2027.
“I want to be clear that it’s already been approved in the budget, and this is essentially an attempt to claw back that money,” Bell noted. She characterized the executive order as a press release of sorts, indicating Trump’s intent against federal support for public radio and television but lacking the potential legal implications of congressional action.
Bell articulated concerns regarding the uncertain prospects for the rescissions package, admitting the process is unpredictable. However, she expressed hope that some lawmakers recognize the critical services provided by federally funded public media.
She emphasized that public broadcasting is more than just a source of entertainment; it plays a vital role in national emergencies by functioning as an emergency alert system. Bell gave an example of how radio services have been instrumental during crises, like those seen in the Blue Ridge Mountains during a hurricane.
“The threat here is significant, not only to emergency communication but also to local news. If this funding is removed, it could create news deserts in many regions of the country,” she warned.
Currently, approximately 6% of Chicago Public Media’s budget—around $2 million—originates from CPB grants. Should this funding disappear, Bell acknowledged the substantial impact it would have on WBEZ. Nevertheless, she indicated that Chicago Public Media has been preparing for such an eventuality for some time, having anticipated a potential second Trump administration from her earlier days in the organization.
“We’ve been planning for this for a long time,” she remarked.
Despite the anticipated challenges caused by losing federal funding, Bell expressed optimism. Chicago Public Media is pursuing alternative revenue streams and fostering support from its audience to maintain its independence from federal funding.
“While losing $2 million would be hard, we believe there is a path forward,” she asserted. Alongside this federal funding, there are additional services valued around $1 million that the organization would miss out on, including favorable rates for music licenses.
While acknowledging the difficulties, Bell remains hopeful about the sustainability of Chicago Public Media in light of these financial changes. However, she voiced a grave concern for public radio and television stations nationwide that depend on public funding to a far greater extent, with some relying on federal contributions for over 60% of their budgets.
The significant cut could force some of these stations out of operation entirely, resulting in a severe reduction in quality local reporting across the country.
Earlier this year, Chicago Public Media underwent a restructuring that involved 35 staff buyouts, saving around $4.2 million. Bell was asked how additional cuts might impact staffing if the anticipated $2 million reduction in funding came to pass.
“We’re really hoping to avoid further reductions,” she replied, acknowledging the unpredictability of external pressures on their budget.
Despite the uncertainty, Bell is optimistic about potential growth in revenue and maintaining current staffing levels for the upcoming year. She cautioned, however, that various external factors—such as a potential recession—could influence their operations.
Addressing the criticism levied at public media for alleged bias, Bell provided insights into the broader context of independent journalism. She noted that there has been a persistent narrative suggesting that nonpartisan journalism is biased, a campaign intensified by political rhetoric labeling reputable media as ‘fake news.’
“This idea of bias is something that has been misconstrued and weaponized in recent years,” she said. Bell also acknowledged that the journalism industry must work to help the public better understand its practices and commitment to transparency.
“Reporters come to stories with personal experiences, and it’s our responsibility to mitigate those biases,” she added. Bell stressed the importance of conveying how journalism strives for truth and how its methods are continuously adapted to include new information or corrections.
Ultimately, she believes that greater transparency in the processes behind journalism can help foster public trust. However, she warned that the more significant issue lies in the ongoing campaign to undermine the credibility of independent media.
As the future of public broadcasting remains uncertain, the discourse around funding cuts and journalistic integrity continues to unfold, highlighting the crucial role these institutions play in informing the public and serving communities across the nation.
image source from：https://www.wbez.org/2025/06/04/q-a-chicago-public-media-ceo-on-trumps-rescissions-package-that-would-take-back-federal-funding-from-npr
