WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss on Sunday (6/8) ruled that the independence of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) merits the retention of its board members, sending a message to the Trump Administration that it cannot make changes to the CPB board without going through proper procedures.
Moss, in his weekend decision, declared that “Congress intended to preclude the President (or any subordinate officials acting at his direction) from directing, supervising, or controlling the Corporation” given that it was established to be a private nonprofit corporation independent from governmental control or influence.
The Court further recognized that under the D.C. nonprofit act, the bylaws of CPB govern in this instance, and those bylaws prohibit any person or authority, including the president, from removing a director without a two-thirds vote of the other directors confirming such removal.
In response to Moss’ ruling, CPB President/CEO Patricia Harrison said her group is “very pleased,” adding that CPB looks forward “to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans.”
On Monday, Harrison confirmed that CPB has taken steps to affirm that the three individuals whom the President purported to remove — Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan — “are, remain, and shall continue” to be CPB board directors.
