The Future of Public Media Initiative arrives following the 2025 congressional decision to rescind over $1 billion in future appropriations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This move dismantled a support network that had sustained 1,500 stations for five decades. The new partnership intends to establish a fresh framework by early 2027, focusing on structural definitions, funding models, and core design principles.

Sitara Nieves of Poynter and Tim Isgitt of Public Media Company are spearheading the effort, which relies on data from City Square Associates regarding the media preferences of 100,000 U.S. adults. By engaging civic leaders and station staff, the initiative seeks to move beyond the post-CPB landscape to create a sustainable, community-focused model. Funding for the project is provided by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the Knight Foundation, with additional contributions accepted via Poynter’s website.