FAIR Act

Summary#

This bill would codify Executive Order 14290 and change the Communications Act to stop federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). It adds a new subsection directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cancel direct and indirect funding to the maximum extent allowed by law. The bill would bar public radio and television stations that receive federal funds from using those funds to pay dues to or to buy programming from NPR or PBS. The CPB must revise grant rules and eligibility criteria to prevent direct or indirect funding to these organizations. Federal agency heads must identify and, where allowed by law, terminate any direct or indirect federal funding to NPR and PBS and review existing grants and contracts for compliance. The bill also includes technical and conforming amendments to related sections of the Communications Act, a severability clause, and a provision saying the Act does not create a private right of action.

What it means for you#

• If you run or work at a public radio or television station that receives federal funds, the station could not use those federal funds to pay dues to or buy programming from NPR or PBS under this bill.
• The Corporation for Public Broadcasting would be directed to cancel direct and indirect funding to NPR and PBS to the extent allowed by law.
• Federal agencies must search for and try to end any grants, contracts, or other funding they provide to NPR, PBS, or their successors and check existing agreements for compliance.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the text of the bill about proponents' arguments or stated benefits.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the text of the bill about opponents' arguments or stated concerns.