Washington D.C. – A recent vote in the House of Representatives to strip congressional funding from public media has drawn a strong rebuke from Carrie Lozano, President and CEO of the Independent Television Service (ITVS). The move, described by Lozano as an attempt to “destroy nearly six decades of a public service,” threatens to defund ITVS, CPB, PBS, NPR, and over 1,500 community-based stations across the nation, effective September 30, 2025.
“Let’s be clear: this action to defund public media is aimed at destroying nearly six decades of a public service that hundreds of millions of Americans rely on annually,” Lozano stated. She emphasized that these organizations serve as vital sources of news, education, emergency alerts, and diverse programming in every corner of the country.
The House vote passed the Administration’s rescission request, impacting congressionally approved funding for Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027. This leaves the Senate with a critical 36-day window to decide whether to cancel this essential funding.
For more than 35 years, ITVS has played a crucial role in delivering consequential content to audiences, fulfilling its congressional mandate to “help tell the story of all Americans, without compromise.” The organization champions independent voices, supporting documentaries made by, about, and for people from every community. Lozano warned that defunding public media would disrupt the daily lives of 99% of Americans who access these crucial programs.
“The Senate must take time to carefully consider defunding a program that touches nearly every American,” Lozano urged, highlighting that “what’s at stake requires more meaningful dialogue than the rescission process allows for.”
ITVS is calling on the Senate and the American people to voice their support for free access to trusted media that amplifies diverse voices and communities. The organization stands in solidarity with its partners, including CPB, PBS, the National Multicultural Alliance, Reel South, hundreds of co-producers, local stations, and thousands of independent small business owners dedicated to producing meaningful media.
Despite what Lozano described as “efforts to divide us,” she believes the nation is “hungry for connection and stories where people see their own experiences reflected and help them learn or get to know someone new.” ITVS remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing untold stories to the American public, upholding public media’s promise to provide trusted programming, education, and local services insulated from commercial and political pressures, ultimately benefiting all.
