Executive Order signed – prohibiting federal funding to PBS and NPR

Dear Friends,

Last night, President Trump signed an executive order titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media. The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to prohibit both direct and indirect federal funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Many of you are likely wondering, “How can I help?” The surest way to safeguard fact-based journalism, exciting cultural exploration through music, and educational programming is by donating now. To learn more about the executive order, potential effects, and what happens next, keep reading.

From a legal standpoint, it's important to note that executive orders are no different than a press release for practical purposes. In fact, CPB issued a statement this morning stating that they are "not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority. Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government."

Fortunately, a bipartisan Congress considered our editorial independence paramount when they originally authorized the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.

What the order does – and doesn’t – attempt to do:

• It targets federal dollars only. Private donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and member support continue to be the foundation of Rocky Mountain Public Media's near and long-term sustainability. (This means YOU keep us going strong!)
• It leaves public media's overall congressional appropriation unchanged – at least for now. How any federal funds are reallocated after removing NPR and PBS is not yet defined but is sure to have significant impacts on RMPM and all local public media organizations who rely on these national-to-local partnerships to provide some of the content you know and love.
• It does not close local public media stations. However, because most stations rely on federal funding through Community Service Grants to pay for infrastructure, emergency‐alert services, and local journalism, the financial ripple effects could be significant, especially for smaller stations who serve more rural communities.

How federal support fits into Rocky Mountain Public Media’s budget:

Federal dollars flow to Rocky Mountain Public Media through an annual grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) that underpins our statewide broadcasting infrastructure supporting the emergency alert system, children’s educational programming and outreach, and community journalism. Those grants account for about 10% of our annual operating budget, or roughly $3 million each year. The remaining 90% of our funding comes from members, foundations, business sponsorships, and other earned revenue.

Our mission, vision, and values remain our North Star.

RMPM plays a crucial role as a trusted, inclusive, and community-driven media hub. We bring people together to share ideas, learn from one another, and feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Through RMPBS, KUVO Jazz, and THE DROP 104.7, RMPM reflects the full diversity of our state – offering educational resources for kids and families, trusted news and information for communities large and small, a stage for local artists, and stories that build bridges to empathy and understanding. Whether through public television, community radio, or digital content, we connect communities, co-create a better vision of the future, and ensure we all take collective care. That’s why we're not just important to you – we are essential to Colorado.

What happens next?

1. Continued Assessment, Planning and Legal Challenges – We are working with CPB, PBS, NPR, and our sister stations in Colorado and across the country to plan for the future of public media and to protect our essential service to communities without disruption.

2. Advocacy – RMPM will continue working to protect the strong bipartisan support that exists for public media and will keep Colorado’s congressional delegation informed about how potential cuts would most affect rural transmitters, children’s programming, and emergency‐alert capacity.

3. Transparency – As soon as we have clarity on any legal challenges to or enforcement of the executive order, we will share major updates on our website and through ongoing email communication. As you likely know, the actions coming out of DC are fluid and can change daily. We pledge not to overwhelm you with information, but to ensure you have substantive updates along the way as things unfold.

4. Diversifying revenue – We have accelerated initiatives to grow membership and increase community philanthropy, business partnerships, and digital revenue so that critical services never hinge on a single funding source.

How you can help right now:

• Stay informed. Bookmark our About Us page for updates and more in-depth information. Keep an eye on our social channels and email communications. We will keep you up-to-date on major developments as they arise.
• Make your voice heard. Contact your representatives via Protect My Public Media here. 
• Act now with a donation. Stand with RMPBS, KUVO Jazz, and THE DROP 104.7.