HONOLULU (KHON2) — Public broadcasting organizations, including PBS and NPR, may face significant funding challenges following a new executive order from the Trump administration that seeks to end federal financial support for both outlets.
The move has sparked strong reactions from media leaders across the country.
Meredith Artley, president and CEO of Hawaii Public Radio, said the executive order continues what she called a ‘pattern of harassment’ by the federal government, which began earlier this year when leaders from NPR and public television were summoned to testify before lawmakers.
Artley questioned the legality of the order, noting that public broadcasting organizations are not federal agencies.
“Ultimately, it’s up to Congress to decide,” she said. “So for right now, for Hawaii Public Radio and local media around America, the executive order has no impact.”
She added that the concern centers around future funding.
“What everybody is waiting for—and what has been predicted and talked about—is a possible request from the White House to officially rescind money that is already planned for public media for the years 2026 and 2027,” Artley said.
Hawaii Public Radio receives just over $500,000 in federal support annually, she noted.
In a statement, PBS Hawaii acknowledged that any funding cuts would have operational impacts but reaffirmed its mission.
“All decisions at PBS Hawaii are made locally, with our community in mind,” the organization said.