PBS has let go of about 100 employees, which is roughly 15% of its workforce, following the goals pushed by Congress and former President Trump over the years.
The public broadcaster confirmed these layoffs on Thursday, attributing them to a significant $500 million drop in annual federal funding that resulted from a Trump-supported withdrawal bill this past July.
The initial news about the layoffs was reported by The New York Times.
The network has been approached for further comments.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger communicated via email to station managers that layoffs were unavoidable, despite efforts to temporarily freeze hiring and suspend previous employment budgets.
“While these decisions are tough, PBS is equipped to navigate the current obstacles facing public media,” Kerger stated.
Funding that once supported public broadcasting has now been entirely eliminated, a situation expected to be fully realized by the end of this month.
For years, many Republicans have criticized PBS, NPR, and Voice of America, claiming they reflect a taxpayer-funded liberal bias and serve as “woke propaganda.”
Trump has stripped federal assistance, arguing that the coverage these outlets provide is disproportionately unfavorable and asserting that these networks should either thrive independently or conform to market principles.
Critics within conservative circles contend that the educational content aimed at children, covering subjects like race, gender, and climate change, amounts to progressive indoctrination funded by taxpayers.
The layoffs at PBS included 34 immediate terminations and a halt on numerous job openings, in addition to previous cuts made earlier this summer after congressional funding for educational programming was approved.
The network reported that it reduced its budget for its 330 member stations by 21% and decreased membership fees.
Facing similar funding challenges, NPR is cutting $8 million from its budget. CEO Katherine Maher referred to this as the “first step” to alleviate pressure on affiliates that depend on CPB grants.
Local PBS and NPR stations are experiencing the toughest consequences, particularly in rural locations where federal funding is vital for basic operations. Many have indicated that they may have to shut down unless they can secure emergency funding.
In August, officials from the Trump administration widened their attack on U.S. voices, resulting in over 500 job cuts. Acting Agent Kari Lake defended these actions, labeling the VOA as “radical” and a threat to national security.
Future plans may restrict coverage from 49 languages to fewer than five, hinting at the dismantling of other federally funded outlets, like Radio Free Asia.
The administration justifies these policies under the premise of fairness, arguing that taxpayers shouldn’t have to support media organizations that, according to critics, are heavily biased to the left.
“American families shouldn’t be obligated to fund partisan programming that disregards their perspectives,” Trump remarked in May.
PBS aims to maintain core programs like “PBS NewsHour” and “Antiques Roadshow,” but some original series may be at risk of being put on hold.
Describing the atmosphere internally, employees noted it felt disheartening. “It seems like the essence of public television is being fully challenged,” a staff member told The New York Times.
The White House has been asked for comments regarding this situation.
