Congress Gutted Public Media Funding. AIR is Taking Action
July 23, 2025
On July 18, President Trump signed the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4), stripping $1.1 billion in previously approved funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The law is already having consequences. Public media stations across the country are freezing hiring, cutting programming, and launching emergency fundraising efforts. From Alaska to New Jersey, communities are preparing for fewer reporters, less coverage, and reduced access to the vital news and information public media provides.
This is a direct attack on public service journalism and the people who rely on it. Local news, emergency alerts, and trusted community storytelling are being undermined at a time when they are needed most.
For independent audio makers, this decision is more than a funding cut. It is a direct hit to our ability to do public service work. AIR members contribute to local stations, produce public radio features, and fill critical gaps in coverage. These cuts land at a time of deep instability in our industry, as newsrooms shrink and communities lose access to trusted information. Public media has long been a key pillar in the broader audio ecosystem, and its weakening affects everyone.
In the face of these cuts, AIR is doubling down on its purpose. Our priority is supporting the independent creators who help public media reach more communities. That includes expanding access, providing direct support, and fighting for fairer conditions across the industry.
AIR is exploring new ways to offer stability, ownership, and opportunity for freelance audio makers through tools and models that reflect the realities of independent work. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening the future of public media. That is why we launched the New Voices Public Radio Fellowship to support independent journalists and emerging producers pursuing careers in local news. Our New Voices programs expand access to civic storytelling in communities where public media has been scarce or nonexistent. Through SoundPath, we provide practical training to help freelancers grow their skills and adapt to change. Through our advocacy work, including the AIR Rate Guide and the incoming Advocacy Fellow, we are working to ensure that independent audio makers have the backing, visibility, and leverage they need now and in the long term.
We urge you to register your objections to the Rescissions Act by contacting your congressional representatives and senators, sending a message to the White House, and by showing your support for a local NPR or PBS station at AdoptAStation.org. You can also support AIR and the independent creators who make this work possible by joining our network or contributing to our work. Your support helps sustain the people behind public media and fuels the next generation of audio storytelling. Every membership and donation helps strengthen this community and move our mission forward.
About AIR
The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) identifies, cultivates, and connects mission-driven storytellers from across the U.S. and the world. We are committed to expanding the ecosystem that enables producers to do their best work. Over 1,100 journalists, podcasters, story editors, audio producers, documentarians, engineers, sound designers, media entrepreneurs, and more than 15,800 network participants energize our creative community. AIR equips independent audio makers with mentorship, training, tools, and peer support throughout their careers.