FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PBS NORTH CAROLINA RESPONDS TO FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS

Voluntary Separation Program the Latest in Expense Reduction Efforts

Research Triangle Park, NC, 8/5/2025 — PBS North Carolina today announced that due to recent federal funding reductions totaling almost $9 million, the organization will provide voluntary separation offers available to most permanent employees. This Reorganization Through Reduction (RTR) program is part of cost-cutting measures designed to minimize the potential scope of involuntary staff reductions.  

“We did not create this—it was dictated by Congress,” said David Crabtree, CEO of PBS North Carolina. “Nonetheless, we will play the hand we’re dealt and pledge to continue to be good stewards of our budgets.” 

In July, Congress passed a rescission bill eliminating previously approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, forcing CPB to wind down its operations. For PBS North Carolina, this action translates into an annual loss of $4.8 million—support that has been instrumental to providing educational programming and critical emergency communications infrastructure.  

“While this is a time of fundamental change for public media, it reminds us of our deep roots in the communities we serve. PBS North Carolina, then WUNC-TV, began in 1955, twelve years before the establishment of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Today, PBS North Carolina still belongs to the people of this state, and our commitment is unwavering.” Crabtree said. 

In addition to the RTR program, the organization is enacting both revenue-generating and cost-saving measures including reductions in non-personnel expenses, a staff hiring freeze and the elimination of vacant positions with the goal of streamlining operations, strengthening core services, and ensuring financial sustainability. 

PBS North Carolina’s leadership team is committed to managing this transition with compassion and care. Despite these fiscal challenges, PBS North Carolina remains steadfast in its mission to provide trusted, high-quality public media that educates, informs and inspires while serving as the backbone of NC’s Emergency Management’s statewide infrastructure. 

About PBS North Carolina  

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

-PBS NC-

Media Contact  
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications  
PBS North Carolina  
press@pbsnc.org