collageThe Issue: Appropriations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

All public broadcasting stations—large and small, urban and rural—are distinctive voices in their community that create informative and engaging programming for their audiences. Public broadcasting stations are heavily dependent on federal investment through Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding. Faced with continued budget reductions, many local stations have terminated workers, cancelled programming, and cut signal transmitters.

Local public radio and television stations in particular rely heavily on CPB funds to create unique and local programming not aired by their commercial counterparts. These stations play a critical role in bringing both classics and contemporary works of art to the American public. Local public stations also have longstanding partnerships with local music venues and performing arts societies, helping to extend the reach of artists in communities throughout the country.

On May 28, the administration released its fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget request, which calls for the largest requested increase in the history of the National Endowment for the Art (NEA)—a $201 million budget. This is a $33.5 million increase over FY 2021 levels for the NEA! This strong show of support from the administration is much-needed and very encouraging for arts agencies, creative workers, and the many programs the federal cultural agencies support. It is also a significant departure from the previous administration which repeatedly sought to eliminate the cultural agencies in each of its four years. The Biden administration budget announcement included increased support for other cultural programs as well, such as a $10 million increase for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and an $8 million increase for the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS).

Corporation for Public Braodcasting logoFocus Forward Towards Solutions

  1. Be sure to read the Americans for the Arts statement regarding President Biden's budget proposal for FY 2022 NEA funding.
  2. Find more details in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Issue Brief (pdf) in the Congressional Arts Handbook.
  3. Key Senate and House Committees for CPB Funding
  4. FAQ section of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting