The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.
CPB receives federal funding from Congress and distributes the vast majority of funds to more than 1,500 locally managed public radio and television stations across the United States. CPB does not produce programming or own, operate, or manage any public media stations.
Distribution of Funds
Per the Public Broadcasting Act, CPB receives federal funding from Congress two years in advance. Once received, CPB distributes funding based on a formula that is set in law.
The majority of funding (71%) is sent directly to public radio and television stations. Public media stations use CPB funding to:
- Produce local programming
- Provide community services in news, education, public safety and more
- Purchase broadcast equipment
- Acquire programming
The remainder of federal funding is divided accordingly:
- 18% is invested in the creation of the programming you value and trust.
- 6% is spent on system wide support including research, copyright fees and national initiatives.
- 5% or less covers CPB’s operations.
CPB Funding Helps Serve Rural America
CPB’s mission is to provide every American with free, over-the-air access to local public media. Today, public media reaches nearly 99% of the U.S. population. In many rural communities, public media stations are the only sources of local media. In fact, 247 public radio and television stations reach these underserved communities. Federal funding ensures every community can access public media's local news service, educational resources, lifesaving emergency alerts, and more.
Why CPB Funding is Important
On average, stations raise $6 for every federal dollar they receive from CPB, resulting in a highly effective public-private partnership.
Every year, we ask Congress provide CPB funding because studies confirm that there is no substitute for federal funding. If CPB funding is zeroed out, stations would be forced to cut programs and services, or – particularly smaller stations in rural areas – could even go off the air. Without this support, you would not have access to the same public media programs you enjoy today.
Urge your Members of Congress to support continued, robust investment in CPB.