PBS proposes FY27 budget that would continue dues relief for stations
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PBS headquarters in Arlington, Va.
The PBS board of directors proposed a fiscal year 2027 budget Thursday that aims to lower station dues while maintaining key programs and services to stations.
The budget projects breaking even at $323.6 million, a steep drop of about $46.5 million from PBS’ FY26 budget. That budget was approved shortly before Congress rescinded federal funding for public broadcasting.
Proposed station dues would amount to $197.7 million, about $29.2 million less than in FY26. The reduction “reflects the continuation of $25 million in member dues relief and $4.2 million related to stations that have departed PBS membership,” said Geoff Sands, general vice chair of the board.
Sands said PBS management will tap other sources of funding “to achieve a balanced budget while supporting the long-term sustainability of the system.” That would include $68.8 million in grant awards supporting content and technology investments. The amount includes $38 million in private grant awards and restricted gifts raised by the PBS Foundation, Sands said. In addition, the PBS Foundation is providing $16.9 million in general operating support.
Another $10.1 million in revenue will come from sponsorship, underwriting, investment returns, interest income and ancillary revenue. A $5.1 million transfer from the long-term investment portfolio and $25 million from PBS Distribution will augment revenue.
Sands said member stations will benefit from PBS Distribution’s “planned investment of $77.5 million in content.” Priorities include investments in PBS Kids shows and “distinctive general audience content,” Sands said, such as co-productions and digital-first series that will “deepen engagement and reach.” He added that it will also be important to expand live linear streaming options and to improve the user experience of PBS Passport and collection of Passport’s data.
The proposal will be distributed to station leaders for feedback before the board votes to adopt a final budget in June.
In remarks to the board, PBS President Paula Kerger said management is focused on raising and distributing more money through philanthropic efforts, especially through the Public Media Bridge Fund. “We know the system will look different moving forward, and we know stations will structure themselves differently,” Kerger said. “And we want to make sure that we are very much partners on that and providing whatever support we can.”
Kerger said that part of her focus going forward will be to keep the funding issue top of mind for the public. She highlighted recent appearances at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival and a recent meeting of the Arkansas Educational Television Commission as examples of garnering public support for public media.
