The NPR is urging the Members Bureau to contact members of Congress as the Trump administration is stepping up efforts to withdraw federal funds from public broadcasting.
The memo sent Monday is something not expected on April 28th in response to a White House plan report to send a retirement package to Capitol Hill this week, with a poll likely taking place in the week of May 5th.
“In preparation, we are raising the timeline for all stakeholder communications,” notes The New York Times first acquired read. “NPR’s policy and varsity team have drafted a new template for the activation of station and glass stop stakeholders. We are calling for a May 2 deadline to deliver these letters to lawmakers. We are calling for board members, community advisory board, station volunteers, key supporters, community partners, business leaders, and contacting them to communicate with your station.
NPR asked the station to notify the national headquarters when a letter was sent to lawmakers and asked if the station would receive a response.
“We are coordinating with my public media protection and will provide immediate details on activating PMPM advocates. On-air scripts are currently available through the PMPM Partner Portal.
“I highly recommend that council members meet with your council members this week because they are likely still in your district during the current break.”
NPR did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Fox News Digital.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump’s budget director, Russ Vert, drafted a memo asking GOP lawmakers to cut the $1.1 billion allocated to the company for public broadcasting, and drafted the $8.3 billion allocated to USAID.
“Since the first day, the Trump administration has targeted waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending through enforcement measures, Doge reviews, and other efforts by departments and agencies. Congress has expressed a strong interest in supporting those efforts and has requested that the administration be sent to the Hill for Swift’s approval.
The note continued. “The OMB recommends that the administration respond with two proposals to cut $9.3 billion, including the withdrawal of wasted foreign aid spending (of $22 billion) that will not expire in FY25 (FY).
In March, NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger testified before the House Doge subcommittee, burned over alleged political bias by Republican lawmakers as media executives defended federal funds.
In response to Vought’s note, Kerger has alarmed about the negative impact it will have on PBS to lose federal funds
“The ongoing efforts by Congress to withdraw public media funding will disrupt the critical services PBS and local member stations provide to Americans,” Kerger wrote in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.
“There’s nothing more than PBS. Our work is possible due to the bipartisan support we’ve always received from Congress. This public-private partnership allows us to prepare millions of children to succeed in schools and in life, and also support rich and inspiring programs of the highest quality,” she continued. “Retracting these funds will destroy the important role they play in PBS member stations and especially in small, rural communities that provide federal funding for most of the budget.
“We are proud to highlight the real issues, individuals and places ignored by the commercial media. We look forward to showing our value to Congress in order to maintain our commitment to the American people to maintain strong organizations and services over the past 50 years.”
