PBS holds station dues flat in fiscal year 2026 budget
The PBS board of directors approved a fiscal year 2026 budget that holds station dues flat at $227 million.
Approved as Congress prepares to vote on President Trump’s proposal to rescind CPB’s appropriations for fiscal 2026 and 2027, the budget projects a $3.3 million decrease, breaking even at $370.1 million. In the FY25 budget that closes June 30, PBS’ total budget was $373.4 million.
“The PBS board gathers the day that the House is moving forward on an effort to claw back our funding,” Kerger said. “This is obviously an historic moment for our system. Never in our history has the House voted on a rescission for our funding.”
Nonetheless, Kerger said, “We have truly been overwhelmed by the support for our system, and we’re doing everything that we can to try to make sure that we’re galvanizing support.”
Kerger went on to praise recent efforts by America’s Public Television Stations, PBS and NPR stations. “The whole point is to make sure people are aware as Congress makes such an important decision that they understand the consequences of their move,” she said.
PBS floated its proposed budget in March, weeks before Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency. Since then, threats to public media’s funding and independence have escalated.
When PBS circulated its draft budget to stations for comment, the feedback focused on “plans for content, services and budget considerations for potential loss of federal funding and anticipated pressure on PBS station member dues for fiscal year 2026,” said Catherine Robb, chair of the board’s finance committee. Others expressed concerns about cuts to Ready To Learn, the Department of Education program that the Trump administration terminated in April.
“While we know this is a dynamic time, it’s important that we move forward with the blueprint for success,” Kerger said of the budget.
PBS Board Chair Larry Irving said, “This budget positions the system for success now and also for success in the future, making important investments in content, distribution and system sustainability.”
Separately, the board voted to approve an update to PBS’ editorial standards and practices. The revised policy includes guidance on using generative artificial intelligence tools, adds new sections on accessibility and minimizing harm, and clarifies stakeholder roles in the public media system.
“Having robust editorial standards is extremely important, and having these robust discussions about the standards that gather thought leaders from across the country is equally important,” said Robb, chair of the editorial standards review committee.
The committee worked in tandem with the station services committee chaired by Nine PBS CEO Amy Shaw.
