On Wednesday, PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger informed PBS station managers via email that the organization intends to reduce its budget by 21 percent. This decision aims to address the financial impact caused by the Trump administration’s efforts to cease federal funding for public media, which was previously distributed by the CPB. Due to the recently enacted bill, PBS, NPR, and their affiliates will no longer receive the $1.1 billion previously allocated for the next two years.

In addition to budget reductions, PBS’ board of directors decided to decrease the dues collected from member stations nationwide by $35 million, representing about a 15 percent reduction from the $227 million initially budgeted in June. Furthermore, PBS is granting its member stations extra time to plan how they will raise the required funds to pay their dues, which are determined based on a formula accounting for their nonfederal funding.

The decision to reduce dues aims to alleviate financial pressures for PBS member stations, known for airing programs like Sesame Street, PBS News Hour, and Finding Your Roots. However, Kerger emphasized in her memo that PBS is collectively facing significant challenges to maintain operations.

“We understand that even with the reduction in dues, the adjusted payment schedule, and efforts to secure initial financial stabilization, we all have difficult decisions ahead about the future,” Kerger stated. “Our strength lies in unity, and together, we will remain focused on our mission.”

Although the CPB is set to conclude its operations by the end of September, PBS and NPR — both of which have traditionally relied on federal funding for programming and staffing — are not disappearing anytime soon. Earlier this month, NPR announced an $8 million budget cut to establish a “fee relief” fund aimed at assisting smaller member stations in meeting their needs. However, the CPB’s dissolution will heavily strain the US’ largest public media broadcasters, particularly affecting smaller rural member stations. For PBS, the recent budget reduction is also likely to result in layoffs.