Federal Funds for the Development of the Next Generation Warning System will no longer be managed by the CPB.
The Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) program, designed to help local public media stations upgrade their emergency alert technologies, is facing a significant setback due to the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
Congress initially allocated $136 million over three years starting in 2022 for the NGWS program. Under CPB's oversight, $21.6 million was awarded in the first round to 44 stations, and a second round saw over $110 million in funding requests from 175 stations. However, due to the Rescissions Act of 2025, CPB can no longer administer or absorb costs for the NGWS grant program, and as a result, the distribution of remaining grant funds is halted.
CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison stated that the CPB's withdrawal from the NGWS program will impact local public media stations and the communities they serve. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is recommended to assume responsibility for distributing unspent funds, but as of now, much of the FY 2022–2024 funding remains undistributed.
FEMA’s future funding approach for FY 2025 appears to emphasize alert dissemination methods beyond traditional broadcasting, which may further shift how emergency alerting infrastructure upgrades are supported. This shift could potentially weaken the capacity of local public media, a trusted channel for emergency alerts, particularly in underserved and hazard-prone communities.
Notably, America's Public Television Stations' President and CEO Kate Riley urged FEMA to "establish a new process" to deliver funding to public broadcasters. Critical emergency alerting equipment will not be purchased, leaving communities, especially those in rural and disaster-prone areas, without the upgrades Congress intended.
In summary:
- Funding: $136 million allocated 2022–2025; CPB defunded as of Oct 2025
- CPB Role: Can no longer manage/distribute grants
- Funds Distributed: $21.6 million in 44 grants awarded (first round)
- Remaining Funds: Largely undistributed without alternative management
- FEMA Role: Recommended to take over funds distribution, but plans uncertain
- Impact on Emergency Alert: Equipment upgrades stalled; weaker local alert capacity, especially in rural/disaster areas
- Program Focus Shift: FEMA may move to non-broadcast alert dissemination methods
This defunding represents a significant setback for public media’s emergency alerting improvements, especially for those in vulnerable communities.
Read also:
- Condor Reveals Q2 Results for 2025 and Secures a $5 Million Bridge Loan
- More than half of British homes adhere to insulation standards established during the 1970s.
- While Éowyn's storm caused a massive €301 million in damages, fossil fuels maintain their position as the leading power source.
- Transition in Energy: Merz Administration Plans Enactment of Heating Revolution from 2026
