New, independent nonprofit entity will sustain public radio distribution through 2030
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2025) — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) today announced a grant of up to $57.9 million over five years to Public Media Infrastructure (PMI), a new independent nonprofit entity formed by a coalition of leading public radio organizations, to sustain public radio distribution through 2030.
The grant will enable PMI to deliver reliable interconnection services to public radio stations nationwide, while also expanding innovative capabilities in digital content distribution, audience measurement, and sponsorship technology. PMI’s founding partners include American Public Media Group (APMG), the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB), New York Public Radio (NYPR), PRX, and the Station Resource Group (SRG).
“By awarding this grant to PMI, CPB is placing trust in stations to drive the future of radio content distribution, ensuring that interconnection is not only reliable but also innovative, representative and sustainable. This decision reflects CPB’s commitment to support the entire public media system, especially rural and community stations, and to prepare the system for the future,” said Patricia Harrison, President and CEO of CPB.
CPB initiated an open competitive process for a radio content distribution earlier this year, following extensive consultation with a system-wide working group and Deloitte Consulting. After evaluating proposals, CPB concluded that PMI best met the system’s requirements for governance, innovation, and sustainability.
PMI will operate as an independent 501(c)(3) and will provide a broad range of services, including:
- Broadcast and digital content distribution across multiple platforms.
- Audience measurement and data analytics to strengthen stations’ service.
- Sponsorship and monetization technology to diversify revenue and strengthen financial sustainability across the system.
Statements:
- “This is a truly profound moment for public broadcasting,” said Bill Davis, Principal of the Station Resource Group. “The cuts to federal funding come at an already tumultuous time—two decades into a local news crisis, in a fast-moving and radically disruptive media context that’s altered the audience habits and revenue models that have been successful for local public radio stations. PMI will provide the infrastructure and support that works for both local stations and national producers in the 21st century, ensuring that these valuable community assets will also thrive in the digital age.”
- Jean Taylor, President and CEO of American Public Media Group: “APMG is proud to help launch PMI as a collaborative model for innovation in public media distribution. Together, we can create the next generation of infrastructure for a nation-wide network of stations that serve local communities with reliable local news, music, and information.”
- Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX: “PRX has long believed in the power of technology to expand access to storytelling. Through PMI, we’re excited to bring proven digital platforms to the entire system, ensuring that stations of all sizes can distribute, monetize, and measure their content across every platform where audiences are listening — also strengthening the connection between communities and trusted journalism.”
- LaFontaine Oliver, President & CEO and Executive Chair of NYPR: “As a former chair of the NPR Distribution and Interconnection Committee, I can attest to the central role the Public Radio Satellite System has played for decades. PMI is committed to working collaboratively with NPR and PRSS to ensure continued service to the public radio system while also innovating and adapting to both the rapid changes in technology and the evolving needs of stations everywhere.”
- Rima Dael, CEO of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters: “Small, rural, and community stations are the lifeblood of local public service in America. This new interconnection structure ensures that their unique challenges are represented in the future of public media distribution.”
About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967. It has helped support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is the largest single source of funding for public radio, television, and related online and mobile services. With the rescission of federal funds for FY 2026 and FY 2027, CPB is in the process of winding down operations. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
