Stephen Colbert has publicly voiced his support for public media, as the industry faces an uncertain future due to potential loss of funding from the federal government.
After the Trump administration reduced funding for public media by over $1.1 billion, New York Public Radio turned to private donations to help cover the loss. Their recent fundraising gala, honoring Stephen and Evelyn McGee Colbert, brought in $1.7 million. At the event, Colbert expressed hope that future administrations will stop cutting funding for public media.
In a recent interview with Variety, Stephen Colbert expressed concern about the future of public media, calling it uncertain. He emphasized the importance of these organizations for providing diverse viewpoints without limitations and for fostering a sense of community at the local level, arguing that taking that away from people would be a mistake.
I’m not sure what the future holds, and I really hope public media continues to thrive. It’s incredibly valuable to so many people, especially in communities where local newspapers have disappeared. Public radio often provides the only local news, keeping people informed and connected to what’s happening in their area. That’s why it’s so important for these stations to remain on the air.
While Stephen Colbert is hopeful, LaFontaine Oliver, the head of New York Public Radio, is more cautious. He stressed the need to prepare for a possible and potentially long-lasting loss of federal funding, signaling a serious and urgent situation that requires proactive planning.
We need to find new sources of income,” Oliver said. “That means building stronger relationships with our communities and finding creative ways to reach our audiences. We’re actively seeking funding from foundations and generous donors, and also exploring ways to generate revenue from the content we create. This is a period of significant change for us, and embracing this spirit of innovation will be beneficial, even if government funding is restored in the future.
Stephen Colbert and his wife highlighted that public media outlets prioritize truthfulness because they aren’t driven by profit. This sentiment is shared by many Americans – research indicates most people trust their local radio and news stations more than large, national, for-profit media companies.
It’s becoming difficult to find news sources that are truly unbiased and focus solely on facts. Public media offers a refreshing alternative, providing in-depth coverage of stories – sometimes for 20 or 30 minutes, which is much longer than what you typically see on commercial news channels. Plus, it’s nice to be able to do other things, like cook, while listening without needing to constantly watch the screen.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs Mondays to Thursdays at 11:35 PM ET and 8:35 PM PT.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- The rise of the mature single woman: Why celebs like Trinny Woodall, 61, Jane Fonda, 87, and Sharon Stone, 67, are choosing to be on their own – and thriving!
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Mobile Legends November 2025 Leaks: Upcoming new heroes, skins, events and more
- VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025: Match results and more!
- When Is Predator: Badlands’ Digital & Streaming Release Date?
- Clash Royale Witch Evolution best decks guide
- Clash Royale Season 77 “When Hogs Fly” November 2025 Update and Balance Changes
- Best Clash Royale decks for Arena 12 (Spooky Town)
- Before Stranger Things, Super 8 Reinvented Sci-Fi Horror
2025-11-23 01:48