As the Trump administration advances efforts to defund public broadcasting, state emergency officials in Oregon are warning that proposed cuts could undermine critical disaster response systems that rely on public radio’s infrastructure to reach vulnerable communities.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management issued a statement highlighting public radio’s unique role in broadcasting lifesaving information during emergencies, particularly in rural and remote areas where internet and cellular networks are often unreliable or unavailable.
“Through partnerships with agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, public radio stations broadcast emergency messages, weather warnings, and evacuation orders to ensure that residents receive crucial updates,” said Oregon Statewide Interoperability and Watch Center Manager William Chapman.
While public safety communication is often viewed through the lens of modern digital systems, officials say federal support for public radio has long provided a backbone for emergency coordination, especially in smaller markets lacking independent resources to maintain such infrastructure. The proposed funding rollback would threaten that system, they argue.
“Public radio connects communities with lifesaving information and resources, ensures that emergency responders can coordinate effectively, and provides reassurance during uncertain times,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon. “Removing this safety net would leave many Oregonians dangerously vulnerable.”
The funding fight escalated earlier this month as the U.S. House narrowly passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 by a 214-212 vote. The bill seeks to rescind $1.1 billion in previously appropriated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s 2026 and 2027 budgets. The House action follows a separate executive order from Trump blocking CPB funds to NPR and PBS, which is now the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
Public media leaders say the proposed cuts would severely disrupt services millions of Americans rely on. NPR CEO Katherine Maher thanked bipartisan supporters while urging the Senate to reject the measure. CPB CEO Patricia Harrison warned that eliminating federal support would jeopardize access to trusted information for underserved audiences nationwide.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain ahead of a July 18 deadline.
