PBS and Lakeland PBS File Lawsuit Against Trump Over Funding Cuts
PBS and Lakeland PBS of Minnesota have taken legal action against President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, claims that Trump’s directive is unconstitutional, violating free speech protections and exerting undue pressure on PBS due to its news coverage and programming, which Trump has criticized.
“This unprecedented presidential directive threatens to dismantle public television,” the suit asserts, highlighting concerns over "viewpoint discrimination." PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger stated the legal action was necessary to protect the editorial independence of public television and member stations.
In response, the White House defended the president’s authority to limit funding, alleging that CPB fosters media biased toward a political party and asserting that public funding for news is outdated and detrimental to journalistic independence. Trump’s order has cut off approximately $81 million in annual federal support, along with crucial funds for local public stations.
The lawsuit emphasizes Lakeland PBS’s reliance on federal grants, which constitute 37% of its annual revenue. The Minnesota station serves a diverse area, providing vital news coverage and educational resources. The loss of funding threatens its operational viability, as local and philanthropic support is dwindling.
This suit follows similar litigation by NPR and three Colorado public radio stations, reflecting a rising trend of challenges against governmental attempts to control public broadcasting funding. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between public institutions and political oversight.
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of public broadcasting in America.
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