1:29Patricia de Stacy Harrison (R), the president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), provides testimony before a House subcommittee discussing President Donald Trump’s initial budget, while Anne Brachman, CPB’s senior vice president for government affairs, listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2017.Zach Gibson/Getty Images
On Friday, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting declared that it will commence a "wind-down of its operations" and eliminate most of its positions by the end of September after Congress voted earlier this month to withdraw $1.1 billion in federal financing.
CPB informed its workforce on Friday that most staff roles will be eliminated by September 30, with only a limited transition team remaining until January 2026 to facilitate "a responsible and orderly conclusion of operations."
"In spite of the remarkable efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to retain federal funding for CPB, we now confront the challenging reality of terminating our operations," CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison stated in a news release. "CPB is dedicated to executing its fiduciary duties and assisting our partners throughout this transition with transparency and compassion."
Patricia de Stacy Harrison (R), the president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), provides testimony before a House subcommittee discussing President Donald Trump’s initial budget, while Anne Brachman, CPB’s senior vice president for government affairs, listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2017.Zach Gibson/Getty Images
The closure of CPB follows the passing of a package by Republicans earlier this month, which included the complete elimination of two years’ worth of funding — $1.1 billion — for the CPB. This action was part of President Donald Trump’s request to reclaim $9 billion from the federal budget.
CPB allocates grants to local radio and television stations nationwide, as well as to the creators of popular PBS and NPR programs.
CPB stated it will strive to provide regular updates to stations and employees as it concludes its operations.
Trump has consistently urged Congress to withdraw funding for CPB. While Congress was deliberating the package, Trump threatened to deny his support to any Republican who opposed it.
"It is crucial that all Republicans comply with my Recissions [sic] Bill and specifically, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN & MSDNC combined. Any Republican that votes to permit this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not receive my support or endorsement. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump posted on his social media channel on July 10.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
