On Friday, Congress approved the CARES Act, an economic package aimed at supporting the nation in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The CARES Act includes $75 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to provide emergency stabilization funding for noncommercial media.
“We greatly appreciate Congress’ recognition of the important role and extraordinary impact America’s public media stations have in their communities,” Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said in a statement posted on CPB’s website. “This vitally needed stabilization funding will help to ensure all Americans will continue to have access to crucial local and national services that are being provided by public media stations across our nation.
“Public media journalists in all 50 states are playing a vital role informing the local community about the latest coronavirus developments, delivering critical reporting and spotlighting local resources intended to help Americans navigate these uncertain times.”
The CARES Act specifies CPB will disburse monies to preserve small and rural stations threatened by declines in non-federal revenues.
