Fans of NPR‘s beloved Tiny Desk Concert series can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s not going anywhere, according to show producer Bobby Carter.
On Sunday, Carter took to his Instagram Story to address the growing concern following news that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is shutting down after over 50 years of federal support.
“I’ve heard from many friends, family, and audience members who are worried that NPR/Tiny Desk is shutting down. It is not,” Carter confirmed in his social media post. “Unfortunately, CPB is shutting down. I encourage everyone to support Public Media and donate. I appreciate all the calls, texts, and messages. They have been overwhelming and heartwarming. Thank y’all.”
The CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation responsible for distributing federal funds to public radio and television. The company announced on August 1 that it would begin the “orderly wind-down of its operations” after the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a package of spending cuts on July 31, rescinding $1.1 billion in funding for CPB.
The loss of CPB marks a significant shift in public media funding. Founded in 1967, the organization has long been a backbone for more than 1,500 PBS and NPR-affiliated stations across the U.S., ensuring access to educational, cultural, and news programming.
In a May 1 executive order, President Donald Trump criticized NPR and PBS for what he claimed was political bias, stating, “No media outlet has a constitutional right to taxpayer subsidies.” The order cited the CPB’s statutory requirement for impartiality and claimed it had failed to meet that standard.
Despite CPB’s demise, Carter’s reassurance offers a beacon of continuity, showing that NPR and Tiny Desk remain independent and operational, continuing to rely on listener support, donations, and sponsorships.
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