Public radio listener support surges following federal funding cuts

The 18th Jacobs Media Public Radio Techsurvey reveals a significant surge in listener support for public radio following the loss of federal funding. After the Trump Administration’s “Rescission Act” in 2025 decimated the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, listener response shifted dramatically.

Data shows that while the percentage of listeners stating they would increase support due to the political climate averaged 42% between 2019 and 2024, that figure rose to 64% in 2025. Subsequent findings indicated that more than 72% of the core sample indicated increased support due to the fiscal challenges facing their stations.

This increase in contributions occurred despite broader economic pressures, with 53% of survey respondents reporting a “major” or “significant” negative financial impact on their own households.