Tribal media at risk under proposed federal funding cuts

A House-passed bill that would rescind $9.4 billion in federal funds could eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, threatening the future of tribally licensed radio and media stations, according to ICT. The Rescissions Act of 2025, approved by a 214-212 vote, has not yet reached the Senate. Among those affected would be 36 tribally licensed radio stations and Native-led media nonprofits like Vision Maker Media, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation and Native Public Media.

In a letter to Congress, National Congress of American Indians President Larry Wright Jr. said CPB funding is essential to maintaining tribal voices in media and providing critical services such as emergency information, public health messaging and culturally relevant content. Francene Blythe-Lewis, president and CEO of Vision Maker Media, said losing CPB support would “almost virtually eliminate” the organization. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Cherokee, said on X that he plans to vote ‘yes’ when the bill reaches the Senate.