NHPBS Responds to Passage of Rescissions Act Eliminating Federal Funding for Public Media

Durham, NH (July 18, 2025) — New Hampshire PBS (NHPBS) is deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Rescissions Act, legislation that eliminates federal funding for public media through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This decision will have a devastating impact on public media stations across the country, including here in New Hampshire.

For NHPBS, the passage of this act represents an immediate loss of $1.3 million, or 18% of our operating budget. These federal funds directly support the educational services, trusted programming and emergency communications that NHPBS provides to all Granite Staters — free of charge and accessible to everyone.

“The elimination of federal support threatens not just our ability to deliver high-quality programming, but also the educational and emergency services that New Hampshire families rely on every day,” said Peter Frid, President & CEO of NHPBS. “We are committed to our mission and our viewers, but this funding cut puts that mission at serious risk.”

What’s at Stake
While it is too early to confirm specific cuts or operational changes, NHPBS has conducted scenario planning to address the loss. The station is working closely with its Board of Directors to explore multiple paths toward long-term sustainability while preserving its most vital services.

Federal support has long served as the foundation of the public media system. There is no true substitute for this investment, which totals approximately $1.60 per American per year. For rural states the loss is particularly consequential.

Community Response and Continued Support
While we recently wrapped up our end-of-fiscal-year fundraising campaign, the success of that effort does not offset the significant and immediate impact of losing $1.3 million in federal funding. The support we continue to receive from viewers is a reminder of how deeply valued public media is in New Hampshire — and how much is at stake.

“We are inspired by the people who continue to stand with us,” said Dawn DeAngelis, Vice President and Chief Content Officer at NHPBS. “This is not just a funding issue — it’s about the future of equitable access to information, education resources and local storytelling.”

How To Help
While the Rescissions Act has passed, the fight is not over. There is still an opportunity to restore funding through the FY26 appropriations cycle, and NHPBS encourages all supporters to contact their representatives.

Visit Protect My Public Media to learn more and take action. Or contact your representatives:

• Chris Pappas
• Maggie Goodlander
• Jeanne Shaheen
• Maggie Hassan

Other ways to support NHPBS:

• Become a member or increase your gift: org/donate
• Leave a legacy gift: org/plannedgiving
• Involve your business: org/corp
• Donate a vehicle: org/vehicle
• Contribute to our auction: org/auction

A Shared Mission, A Shared Future
Since 1959, NHPBS has been a trusted source for lifelong learning, public safety, and community storytelling. We are more than just television — we are a multimedia resource reaching people in homes, classrooms and communities across New Hampshire.

We remain committed to preserving this vital service for future generations, and we thank our viewers, partners and neighbors for standing with us. Learn more at our blog. 

Pressroom Contact

Carla Gordon Russell
Director of Communications
crussell@nhpbs.org
(603) 868-4339