HONOLULU (KHON2) — After nearly 60 years in operation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will close its doors. CPB provides federal funding to local public radio and television stations across the county–including Hawaiʻi Public Radio and PBS Hawaii.
In an unprecedented move last month, Congress pulled over one billion dollars in funding from CPB.
“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and CEO.
On Aug. 1, employees were informed most staff positions would be terminated at the end of September, said CPB officials.
“CPB shutting down is a big deal. They have been a center of gravity for public media for decades. Prior to the recent rescission vote, we all shared CPB and federal funding in common,” said Meredith Artley, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
The way CPB’s closure will affect public broadcast cannot yet be determined.
“We don’t know the immediate impacts today, but those will surely come over time,” Artley said. “This adds uncertainty in an already uncertain time.”
After federal funding was cut, Hawaiʻi Public Radio raised almost $500,000 during a two-day fundraiser.
“We have good reason to believe we will continue to grow support for our vital service that informs, inspires and connects all of Hawai‘i,” Artley said.
PBS Hawaii reassured the community of their station’s commitment and expressed appreciation for viewers’ support.
“This marks a significant turning point for PBS Hawaii but this is not a time for panic. It is a time for purpose,” said Ron Mizutani, CEO and president of PBS Hawaii. “Thanks to our generous community and careful planning, we’ve built a resilient foundation and we remain committed to serving Hawai‘i’s keiki, kūpuna and families.”