Federal Funding Cuts May Threaten High School Sports on PBS Stations Across the U.S.

Public broadcasting stations across the U.S. have been steadily increasing their coverage of high school sports, especially state championship games, to grow local engagement and attract a wider audience. This has become particularly valuable in states without professional sports teams, where local games are among the most-watched broadcasts.

However, this local sports content is now under threat. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for PBS and NPR, citing “biased and partisan news coverage.” If Congress approves this move, stations fear it could seriously affect their ability to continue airing high school sports.

States Most at Risk: South Dakota, Arkansas, Nebraska

Stations like South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB), Arkansas PBS, and Nebraska Public Media have invested heavily in high school sports coverage over the years. These broadcasts not only boost viewership but also increase community engagement and donor contributions.

“Friday night football is a major part of Southern culture,” said Bert Wesley Huffman, President of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). “We air select games and championships and have even seen players go pro.”

How PBS Stations Are Funded

PBS stations rely on a mix of state funding, federal subsidies, and private donations. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is the main distributor of federal funds for both PBS and NPR. The executive order targets CPB’s funding, and a rescissions bill could be sent to Congress soon, which would formalize the proposed cuts.

NPR has already filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing the cuts violate the First Amendment. PBS is also exploring legal options to continue providing essential services and programming.

Local Programming Is the Heart of PBS

While national programs like Sesame Street, PBS NewsHour, and Frontline receive most of the public attention, local content makes up the majority of what PBS stations air.

“News programming is less than 10% of our content,” said Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS. “Our stations are community-driven and locally operated. They air content that reflects and serves their neighborhoods.”

Spotlight on Women’s Sports and Local Heroes

Iowa PBS was one of the first to highlight WNBA star Caitlin Clark, broadcasting her high school championship run in 2020. Executive Director Andrew Batt noted that girls’ sports coverage was underrepresented before they stepped in more than a decade ago.

While Iowa has business sponsors to support sports content, Batt warns that federal cuts could jeopardize staffing and production resources.

Dire Consequences for Local Stations

Arkansas PBS CEO Courtney Pledger called the potential loss of CPB funding “a disaster.” About 40% of their budget comes from state support, which mostly covers staff salaries. The rest — including sports production — relies on federal funds and private donations.

In Nebraska, public broadcasting gets 16% of its funding from the federal government. The station is especially popular for its coverage of volleyball and other high school sports.

“Some stations might lose 10% of their funding — for others, it’s 40%. That’s the difference between a manageable cut and an existential threat,” Kerger explained. “I spoke with a station manager who said losing federal funds would force them to lay off 10 of their 18 staff members.”

South Dakota Fights to Keep Sports on Air

SDPB recently survived a proposed $3.6 million budget cut by former Governor Kristi Noem, now Secretary of Homeland Security. Lawmakers rejected the cuts after public backlash. “Even in a red state, sports matter,” said SDPB’s Julie Overgaard.

Federal funding covers $2.2 million of SDPB’s budget, with the state providing $5.6 million. The CPB funds are crucial for local programming and championship production.

Overgaard’s leadership has inspired other PBS leaders across the country to embrace high school sports broadcasting. “I often joke that during certain times of the year, public TV is the only thing playing in every bar in South Dakota,” she said.

Why High School Sports Matter for Public TV

High school sports offer PBS stations a unique way to connect with communities, provide valuable content, and support youth athletics. Stations often stream games online so families and friends out of state can watch — but in rural areas with limited internet access, traditional TV broadcasting is still essential.

PBS leaders warn that cutting federal funding would not only impact local sports coverage but also reduce access to public broadcasting in underserved areas.

Conclusion: Local Sports, National Stakes

While debates over federal budgets and media bias continue in Washington, the real impact will be felt in local communities. High school athletes, families, and viewers across the country could lose one of the few reliable outlets that showcases their talents — and brings neighbors together every game night.