Court Recognizes CPB’s Independence; Board Members Remain

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 8, 2025) -- U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss today recognized the independence of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) stating that  “Congress intended to preclude the President (or any subordinate officials acting at his direction) from directing, supervising, or controlling the Corporation” given that it was established to be a private nonprofit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. The Court further recognized that under the D.C. nonprofit act, the bylaws of CPB govern in this instance, and those bylaws prohibit any person or authority, including the President of the United States, from removing a director without a two-thirds vote of the other directors confirming such removal.

“We are very pleased that the Court recognized CPB is an independent, nonprofit corporation, free from governmental control or influence. CPB, board and management, look forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans,” stated Patricia Harrison, President and CEO of CPB. 

Consistent with the Court’s decision and the authority provided under the governing statute, Harrison has today taken steps to affirm that the three individuals whom the President purported to remove, Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan, are, remain, and shall continue to be directors of the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.