Press Freedom Center Critiques Closure of Public Broadcasting Services

On August 1, 2025, Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club, voiced his concerns regarding the recent decision by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to shut down its operations due to the loss of federal funding. In his formal statement, Balsamo described this action as detrimental to journalism, particularly in vulnerable communities where public broadcasting often serves as the sole source of credible news.

The ramifications of CPB's closure are profound, especially for rural areas, where public radio and television stations are indispensable for providing not just news but essential public safety alerts, election coverage, and local community information. Balsamo stressed that the disappearance of CPB would mean the loss of vital services that contribute to the wellbeing of these communities.

Balsamo articulated that the notion of journalism's viability being limited to profit-driven enterprises is not only naive but perilous. It paints a bleak picture of a society where numerous communities could find themselves in news deserts, devoid of accurate, trustworthy information on matters that significantly impact their daily lives.

He asserted, "The shutdown of CPB weakens the foundation of our democracy, one local newsroom at a time." This statement underscores the essential role that public broadcasting plays in holding power accountable and ensuring that all voices are heard in the public discourse.

Without CPB and its support, there is a growing fear that the landscape of journalism in America could see further degradation, particularly for those who rely on local news for knowledge and civic engagement. The absence of CPB would exacerbate disparities in access to information, leading to greater inequities in how different communities experience democracy.

Moreover, Balsamo emphasized that journalism is not merely a luxury; it is a public good that necessitates protection and support. As the CPB shutters, it raises critical questions about the future of journalism in the United States — a concern shared by many within the industry and among the public alike.

With federal funding cuts threatening the operational funding of CPB, Balsamo makes a powerful appeal for the value of public journalism, illustrating how critical it is to maintain diverse sources of information and ensuring that journalism flourishes outside the profit margins. The long-term ramifications for democracy and community engagement could be dire without accessible, local news sources.

In conclusion, the statement from the National Press Club calls for a reconsideration of how public broadcasting is funded and supported. It serves as a reminder of the need for robust journalism that reaches all corners of society, particularly those most at risk of being left behind in our fast-paced information age. As citizens, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and advocate for the preservation of journalism as a cornerstone of democracy.

This situation highlights the broader challenges facing public broadcasting and journalism today. Now, more than ever, communities must rally around their local news providers to ensure they remain a vital source of information and support for democracy. The fight for press freedom and access to reliable news sources is a cause that affects us all.

For further inquiries regarding this matter, you may contact Bill McCarren at 202-662-7534 or via email at [email protected].