What the Republican plan to dismantle PBS means for NC

Larry David with PBS star Elmo in February 2024. A Republican plan to dismantle PBS and public radio could have big impacts on NC. (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC)

By Michael McElroy

July 17, 2025

The US Senate voted Thursday to approve a Trump-backed plan to cut off funding for the nation’s PBS and NPR stations, a key source of news and updates in NC’s rural communities, where reliable internet access is scarce.

The US Senate voted Thursday to approve a Trump-backed plan to cut off funding for the nation’s PBS and NPR stations, a key source of news and updates in NC’s rural communities, where reliable internet access is scarce.

It is now bound for the US House of Representatives.

Individual public radio stations depend on federal funding to operate, so the cuts could force rural stations to close or significantly limit urgent reporting during emergencies.

Scroll below to find out what you need to know.

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Author

Michael McElroy

Michael McElroy is Cardinal & Pine's political correspondent. He is an adjunct instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and a former editor at The New York Times.

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CATEGORIES: NATIONAL POLITICS

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