At Chicago Public Media, everything we do begins and ends with you – our community.
As the home of WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times, we are deeply rooted in this city. Every day, our journalists work to bring you honest, independent reporting on the issues that matter most — government, education, public safety, arts and culture, and so much more. We don’t just report the news. We ask tough questions, amplify your voices, and follow the threads that others overlook, all to serve the public interest.
This work is driven by a simple belief: that everyone deserves access to trusted, high-quality journalism, no matter who they are or where they live. And we’ve made that promise freely, without paywalls or barriers, because we believe public media is a public good, just like parks, schools and libraries.
Today, that promise and the future of free and trusted local news in Chicago face serious uncertainty.
Here’s what happened:
On Thursday, 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).
This news comes on World Press Freedom Day – a global day meant to celebrate the role of journalism in democracy and to defend public media from attacks on its independence. The timing serves as a stark reminder that we must defend press freedom, not just globally but also here at home.
What this means for public media and for you:
- The Corporation for Public Broadcasting does not believe the President has the authority to make these changes through executive order. Legal challenges are likely, but the outcome remains uncertain.
- The executive order targets federal dollars only. Private donations, foundation grants, business sponsorships and support from members like you remain the primary engine of Chicago Public Media’s strength and sustainability.
- It does not yet change overall public media appropriations. Congress’s funding to CPB remains unchanged for now, but how those funds would be reallocated without NPR and PBS is uncertain. That process will directly affect CPM and other local public media stations that rely on national partnerships to deliver the news and cultural programming you value.
- It does not shut down local public media stations. But it may weaken the system that supports them. Most stations, including ours, use CPB grants to fund infrastructure, emergency alert systems and local journalism. Cuts could devastate smaller stations and limit service in rural and underserved communities.
What we’re doing and what you can expect next:
- Assessing the impact. We’re actively working with CPB, NPR and peer stations across the country to understand the full implications of this order.
- Staying transparent. As we learn more, whether about CPB’s reallocation plans or any legal challenges to the order, we will keep you informed via our website and email updates.
- Doubling down on local support. As we work to grow our membership and diversify our revenue, it’s essential that our public services are not reliant on a single funding source. Currently, federal funding accounts for 6% of our budget, which amounts to about $2 million. We’re developing a long-term strategy to replace this funding source, but it will not be easy. Through times of crisis, celebration, and countless moments of change, we’ve been here for you. Over the years, we’ve earned your trust, and now, we’re asking you to stand with us.
This moment is about more than just funding. It’s about the future of free, independent journalism in our city and who gets to tell the story of Chicago. Your support, your voice and your commitment are what make this work possible.
Together, let’s make sure Chicago’s story continues to be told with integrity, depth and care.
Stand with us. Contribute if you can. Support your public media.
Onward,
Melissa Bell
CEO, Chicago Public Media
