NPR to get $36M in settlement to operate US public radio system
4 days ago
- #First Amendment
- #Public Broadcasting
- #NPR
- NPR will receive $36 million in grant money to operate the public radio interconnection system.
- The settlement resolves part of a legal dispute where NPR accused the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) of yielding to pressure from President Trump to cut funding.
- Trump expressed a desire to defund NPR and PBS, citing perceived bias towards Democrats.
- NPR claimed CPB violated its First Amendment rights by attempting to cut off its access to congressionally appropriated funds.
- CPB initially approved a three-year grant extension for NPR but reversed its decision under pressure from the Trump administration.
- CPB redirected funds to an unauthorized entity, which NPR contested.
- Trump issued an executive order to stop federal funding for NPR and PBS, which NPR is challenging in court.
- The settlement affirms that NPR and CPB agree the executive order is unconstitutional and CPB will not enforce it unless ordered by a court.
- NPR's CEO called the settlement a victory for editorial independence and First Amendment rights.
- CPB's CEO described the settlement as an important moment for public media.