NPR Secures $36 Million Settlement in Funding Dispute with CPB

National Public Radio (NPR) has reached a settlement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), securing approximately $36 million in grant funding for the operation of its public radio interconnection system. This resolution comes after a protracted legal dispute that raised questions about political influence on public media funding.

The settlement, announced on October 30, 2023, marks a significant development in a case where NPR alleged that the CPB, under pressure from former President Donald Trump, attempted to withdraw funding. In March 2023, Trump openly criticized NPR and PBS, expressing a desire to cut their federal support, claiming they exhibited bias toward Democrats. NPR contended that such actions infringed upon its First Amendment rights, effectively punishing the organization for its journalistic endeavors.

On April 2, 2023, the CPB had initially approved a three-year funding extension valued at $36 million for NPR to continue managing the Public Radio Satellite System, a role it has held since 1985. However, NPR reported that the CPB later reversed this decision, reallocating funds to an entity that lacked the legal authority to receive them. CPB representatives denied any claims of retaliatory actions, describing NPR’s assertions as “legally and factually baseless.”

In May 2023, Trump issued an executive order urging federal agencies to cease funding for NPR and PBS. The recent settlement does not resolve the broader legal challenge against this executive order, which is scheduled for a hearing on December 4, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.

As part of the settlement, both NPR and CPB acknowledged that the executive order is unconstitutional. Furthermore, CPB has committed to refraining from enforcing the order unless mandated by a court ruling.

“This is a victory for editorial independence and a step toward upholding the First Amendment rights of NPR and the public media system,” stated Katherine Maher, President and CEO of NPR. Patricia Harrison, CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, referred to the resolution as “an important moment for public media.”

The settlement ensures that NPR can continue to operate its critical satellite interconnection system while the legal battle over Trump’s executive order remains pending. This outcome not only preserves federal funding for NPR’s operations but also reinforces the network’s editorial independence in a politically charged environment.