NPR is reporting that the federal government's investment in public broadcasting has ended, saying it had for decades carried part of the cost of providing local, independent news to millions of Americans. It said that funding is now gone, and that the network is relying on audience support to fuel its operations.
The network said its newsroom and fundraising teams maintain what it calls a "firewall," meaning no funder, sponsor or grantmaker has influence over its coverage. It said its newsroom always discloses when it covers an organization that also funds it, and pointed to its published ethics and practices as the basis for that trust.
NPR said audience support has always been crucial to its mission but that it now depends on the public for everything it does. It said its work of keeping reporters in statehouses and city halls across the country is far from complete.
The appeal was made by Rachel Evans, NPR's chief development officer, who said she joined the network just under a year ago, making the 2026 midterms her first election with a front-row seat to its newsroom. She said it has been inspiring to watch teams at NPR and across its network prepare to cover the issues that matter most to their listeners.
Evans said the importance of rigorous independence is heightened when the media ecosystem is flooded with attack ads, misinformation and coverage paid for by special interests during elections. She asked supporters to donate, calling a gift a declaration that they value journalism essential to democracy and communities.