Congress has voted to pass the Rescissions Act, which—among other cuts—eliminates all federal funding for public media. This decision will have a devastating impact on stations across the country.
For New Hampshire PBS, it means a loss of $1.3 million in funding over the next year—support that directly fuels our educational resources, trusted local and national programming, and the essential emergency alerts we provide for all Granite Staters. The consequences will be serious, especially for those who rely on us the most.
While this vote is behind us, our path forward is just beginning. Below, we’ve outlined what happened, how it impacts NHPBS, and what you can do to help.
Message from Peter Frid, President & CEO of New Hampshire PBS
Read the full press release on how this funding loss impacts NHPBS.
Our statement on the House passing the Rescissions Act:
We are deeply disappointed that Congress has voted to pass the Rescissions Act, which among other programs, eliminates federal funding for public media. This decision will have a devastating impact on stations across the country.
For New Hampshire PBS, it means a loss of $1.3 million—funding that directly supports our educational resources, trusted local and national programming and the essential emergency alerts we provide for all Granite Staters.
From everyone here at New Hampshire PBS, we want to express our deep appreciation for your continued support and advocacy. Thank you for letting Congress know how much public media means to you.
What percentage of NHPBS relies on federal funding?
Last fiscal year, we received $1.3 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is 18% of our budget.
What’s at risk for NHPBS? Is there any talk of potential layoffs or program cuts? What’s on the table right now?
It’s too early to say for certain, but we’re committed to taking the time to listen to our communities and explore how we can continue to serve them—while doing everything possible to protect our educational services, local programming and emergency services.
New Hampshire PBS has conducted scenario planning to identify several contingencies to address the impact of this funding loss. We are working with our Board of Directors and are actively exploring multiple strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.
What does this mean for the NH public media landscape?
It remains to be seen. The PBS infrastructure is interconnected. There will be changes at every level. However, we are committed to remaining a sustainable organization for our communities and staff. PBS and its member stations are more important now than ever.
Have you noticed any increase in public support or donations?
It’s hard to determine exactly why people are supporting New Hampshire PBS, but we know they are—and we’re deeply grateful. We just completed a successful end-of-fiscal-year fundraising drive and have been keeping our messaging about federal funding separate from our efforts to raise funds for NHPBS.
Is NHPBS exploring alternative sources of funding? If so, what?
There is no substitute for federal funding. The Government Accountability Office has concluded that the federal investment is essential to ensuring public television’s universal service, particularly in rural America.
The federal investment in public television—about $1.60 per person per year—has sustained one of the most effective public-private partnerships ever.
From car donations to program-aligned tours like our recent trip to the Dales in England (inspired by the series All Creatures Great and Small), we are always exploring and testing new fundraising channels.
What can I do?
While we still have an opportunity to restore our funding in the upcoming FY26 appropriations cycle, we recognize that this will be an uphill battle. We will need your support and advocacy.
Contact your Representatives and Senators:
- House:
- Chris Pappas: pappas.house.gov
- Maggie Goodlander: goodlander.house.gov
- Senate:
- Jeanne Shaheen: shaheen.senate.gov
- Maggie Hassan: hassan.senate.gov
You can also visit protectmypublicmedia.org to learn more.
Other ways to support NHPBS:
- Become a member: nhpbs.org/donate
- Upgrade to monthly giving or explore planned giving: nhpbs.org/plannedgiving
- Involve your business: nhpbs.org/corp
- Donate a vehicle: nhpbs.org/vehicle
- Contribute to our auctions: nhpbs.org/auction
- Watch, advocate, and share NHPBS content.
How do you see the potential cuts affecting public media nationally?
This will be devastating to the entire public media system. Cutting federal funding will leave many Americans—especially in rural areas—without access to critical services like educational resources, emergency alerts, and trusted local content.
What about the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?
The loss of federal funding would likely mean the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) as early as October 1, 2025. CPB has played a vital role since its creation in 1967, ensuring universal access to high-quality, non-commercial content.
What kinds of local programs does NHPBS offer—and why do they matter?
NHPBS is more than just television. We’re a multimedia resource—online, on-air, and in-person—serving New Hampshire communities.
Highlights include:
- GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE, entering its 44th season
- WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE, celebrating 20 years of outdoor storytelling
- THE STATE WE’RE IN our digital-only public affairs program
- OUR HOMETOWN, with over 450 stories from towns across the state
- A new series launching this September: SENIORITY AUTHORITY, focused on aging with vitality and purpose
- A statewide engagement initiative around Ken Burns’ THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, launching November 16 with large-scale and community screenings
We also provide robust educational resources:
- PBS LearningMedia, with curriculum-aligned tools for educators
- Studio tours and media literacy programming
- The Daily Learning website, connecting PBS content to the world in real time
We remain committed to showcasing the stories, people, and places that make New Hampshire home.
