The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is structured as a private, nonprofit corporation, created by Congress in 1967 under the Public Broadcasting Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Despite its “private” label, CPB is entirely publicly funded, receiving $535M in taxpayer funds for 2025 via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. In reality, an entity cannot be truly private while fully reliant on public funds—CPB’s taxpayer dependence makes it a publicly supported organization. Its nine-member board is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and this process has occurred consistently under every U.S. President since CPB’s creation in 1967. Every President, from Johnson to Biden and beyond, nominates new members or reappoints existing ones as terms expire or vacancies arise, and the Senate confirms them.
How CPB’s $535M (2025) Is Spent:
PBS Stations (70%, ~$267.83M): Funds over 330 PBS stations for operations, equipment, and programming, including local shows and national content (PBS NewsHour, NOVA, BBC co-productions like Amanpour and Company).
Public Radio (20%, ~$107M): Supports over 400 stations, including ~1,000 NPR affiliates, for operations and programs (Morning Edition, occasional BBC segments). NPR indirectly receives ~$80M-$90M through station dues, as CPB funds enable affiliates to license NPR content.
Programming (6%, ~$32.1M): Finances national TV/radio shows (American Experience), educational content, and grants for independent producers.
Digital/Education (2-3%, ~$10-16M): Supports PBS LearningMedia, streaming (PBS Passport), and community programs.
Administration (2%, ~$10.7M): Covers CPB’s operational costs and research.