On June 20, 2025, a coalition of 29 Member stations from across the country filed an amicus brief in support of NPR, Aspen Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, and KSUT Public Radio in our challenge to the constitutionality of the President's Executive Order purporting to halt all direct and indirect federal funding of NPR. The amicus brief, filed on behalf of the Member stations by attorneys at the nonprofit Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, highlights the importance of federal funding and of NPR Membership to their stations and listeners, and the important role that they and other local public radio stations play in keeping their communities safe and informed.
In addition to the Member stations, a diverse group of other amici filed briefs in support. A group of 23 states filed an amicus brief emphasizing the vital importance of public radio during natural disasters and other emergencies. That brief, led by Colorado, was joined by Arizona, Minnesota, Rhode Island, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Digital Content Next, ProPublica, The Intercept, and the Radio Television Digital News Association, represented by attorneys at Ballard Spahr LLP, filed an amicus brief highlighting the unconstitutionality of the Executive Order and the danger it poses to free speech and free press rights beyond public media. Finally, the ACLU, joined by the ACLU of Colorado and the ACLU of the District of Columbia, also filed an amicus brief underlining the unconstitutionality of the Executive Order as a matter of settled First Amendment law.
These perspectives from organizations across America showcase the importance of public media and the depth of contribution that stations make in their local communities. The commitment of this alliance of organizations in supporting the issues of our challenge expresses a wide range of opinions and a strong bi-partisan voice. NPR is grateful for their acknowledgement and support, and we are even more determined to represent and protect First Amendment rights for all Americans.
Copyright 2025 NPR