The Washington Times has published an opinion piece calling for the defunding of National Public Radio (NPR), describing it as a relic of a bygone era and arguing that it has been peddling partisan narratives. The op-ed, written by MRC's Dan Schneider, asserts that defunding NPR is not only a fiscal necessity but also a moral imperative. Amidst this backdrop, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced that NPR and PBS have been defunded, suggesting a significant shift in public funding for these media outlets. This move has sparked various reactions on social media, with some users expressing support for the defunding, citing NPR's alleged bias, while others speculated on potential increases in private donations to NPR and PBS as a result, which could be advertised as a Trump fundraiser, leading to a loss of government control over these entities.

PBS's "Masterpiece" series has released a four-part drama titled "Miss Austen," which explores the life of novelist Jane Austen and her elder sister Cassandra. The series focuses on the historical mystery surrounding Cassandra's decision to burn the majority of Jane Austen's correspondence after her death. Through this narrative, "Miss Austen" speculates on Cassandra's motives and offers insight into the experiences of unmarried women during the Regency era. The show has been noted for transforming the destruction of Austen's letters, considered an act of cultural vandalism, into a nuanced artistic portrayal.

PBS has released a new documentary titled 'We Want the Funk,' directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson. The film explores the origins and cultural significance of funk music, highlighting its influence on various genres, including punk, gospel, and new wave. Notable artists featured in the documentary include Nona Hendryx, Kirk Franklin, and David Byrne. George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic discusses the inspiration he drew from The Beatles and shares his thoughts on how he would communicate with aliens. The documentary is currently available for viewing on YouTube.

Republican lawmakers and officials are intensifying calls to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing perceived bias against conservative viewpoints. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' spokesman has publicly supported the defunding, echoing sentiments expressed by former President Donald Trump. Critics argue that NPR and PBS are biased, with claims of a disproportionate number of registered Democrats among NPR staff and a skewed reporting style favoring left-leaning narratives. Recent analyses reportedly show a 96% to 4% bias in PBS's use of terms like 'far right' compared to 'far left'. This renewed push to cut taxpayer funding comes amid broader accusations from Republicans labeling these media outlets as 'communist' and propagandistic. The debate has gained traction in recent hearings focused on the justification for continued federal funding of these public media entities.

The long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed series 'Wolf Hall' titled 'The Mirror and the Light' is set to return to PBS after a ten-year hiatus. Producer Colin Callender discussed the challenges faced during the production, which nearly faced cancellation due to funding issues. Director Peter Kosminsky revealed that six weeks before production was scheduled to begin, the project was on the verge of shutting down. He noted that the BBC and ITV were unable to finance the production, which contributed to the delays. The new installment dramatizes the fall of Thomas Cromwell, following his rise in the original series. The British television industry is currently experiencing a crisis, as highlighted by Kosminsky, who expressed concerns over the funding challenges affecting productions like 'Wolf Hall.'

The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has committed to reducing the cost of prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to a maximum of $25 if re-elected. This policy, part of a broader strategy to address cost-of-living pressures, will take effect in January 2026 if the government wins another term. The government has increased its funding for cheaper medicines to almost $10 billion since 2022. The move has been matched by the Coalition, indicating bipartisan support for lowering medicine costs. The current maximum cost for a PBS prescription is $31.60, and the proposed change would represent a more than 20% cut, aimed at easing financial burdens on working Australians and is expected to save Australians over $200 million annually. Over 80% of prescriptions are part of the PBS, and 21% of Australians have struggled to afford their prescribed medication in recent years. However, the PBS faces potential threats from the United States, where President Donald Trump has been urged by US pharmaceutical companies to impose 25% tariffs on Australia due to what they describe as 'egregious and discriminatory' pricing policies. These companies argue that PBS listings and related policies hinder their sales and delay access to new medicines in Australia. According to Treasury estimates, these tariffs are expected to directly impact Australia's economic output by less than 0.02% by 2030, while the US exports $3.5 billion in pharmaceuticals to Australia annually. In response, Australian Health Minister Mark Butler has firmly stated that the government will not negotiate over the PBS, emphasizing the scheme's role in making medicines more affordable for Australians. The government is also working to prevent any tariffs on pharmaceutical trade with the US. In a separate development, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a report highlighting the significant market power of the nation's two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths. The report notes that these chains have some of the highest profit margins globally, amidst rising living costs, within the $120 billion grocery sector. The government has pledged to facilitate easier negotiations between suppliers and these supermarket giants to address the cost of living, which is expected to be a key election issue. The ACCC's findings have sparked calls for increased competition in the supermarket sector to benefit consumers, with the watchdog listing 20 demands but stopping short of recommending forced break-ups of the supermarket chains.

A growing movement is advocating for the defunding of PBS and NPR, citing concerns over perceived bias and the use of taxpayer dollars. Critics, including lawmakers and commentators, emphasize that these media organizations receive over half a billion dollars annually from taxpayers. They argue that public funding of media is inconsistent with free market principles and that citizens should not be compelled to subsidize outlets they consider to promote leftist propaganda. Prominent voices in this debate include George F. Will, who suggests that PBS and NPR have outlived their usefulness, and Rep. Stutzman, who likens state-funded media to tools used by fascists and socialists. The discourse has prompted petitions urging Congress to halt funding for these organizations, reflecting a broader sentiment among fiscal conservatives regarding government spending on media.

Senator Mike Lee has publicly called for the defunding of PBS and NPR, sparking a debate on federal funding for public broadcasting. This call has been echoed by various voices on social media, indicating a growing sentiment against government support for these organizations. Separately, the BBC has come under scrutiny for its salary practices. Reports indicate that senior managers from diverse backgrounds, including those who are LGBT, ethnic minorities, disabled, or female, are paid more than their straight, white, male counterparts. Specifically, LGBT senior managers earn 15.6% more, BAME managers earn 12.6% more, disabled managers earn 8.4% more, and women earn 5.7% more. This revelation has led to accusations of reverse discrimination and raised questions about the broadcaster's commitment to equal pay. The BBC has also been criticized for hiring a 'Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging' with a £125,000-a-year salary.

A growing movement among certain political figures and activists is calling for the abolition of the Department of Education, with multiple individuals expressing this sentiment on social media over recent days. Prominent voices, including Gunther Eagleman and Corey DeAngelis, have repeatedly advocated for dismantling the Department, with Eagleman emphasizing the need for its complete abolition. Additionally, there is a push to defund public broadcasting services such as NPR and PBS, with Senator Mike Lee leading the charge. He has stated that USAID should also cease to exist, echoing sentiments from other users who support defunding various government programs. The calls to defund NPR and PBS are underscored by claims that these organizations receive over half a billion dollars in taxpayer funding annually, prompting activists to mobilize support for petitions aimed at Congress to halt this funding.

A growing movement is advocating for the defunding of National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States. Activist groups, including ACT for America and the Media Research Center (MRC), are calling for Congress to stop taxpayer funding for these media outlets, arguing that they represent state-sponsored bias rather than impartial journalism. The MRC recently staged a protest at NPR's Washington, D.C. headquarters, coinciding with a pro-NPR rally where supporters were seen singing songs with characters from Sesame Street. Activists emphasize that public funds should not support media they view as biased, urging citizens to sign petitions and take action against taxpayer-funded press initiatives.

Senator Mike Lee and Representative Claudia Tenney have introduced the Defund Government-Sponsored Propaganda Act, aiming to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasters NPR and PBS. The legislation is framed as a response to concerns over taxpayer dollars being used to support what they describe as biased media. Lee stated that Americans should not be compelled to fund media that they believe promotes a particular political agenda. The bill follows allegations that government funds are being misused to influence media narratives, particularly after reports regarding USAID funding. Other members of Congress, including Senator John Kennedy and Representative Scott Perry, have also voiced support for similar initiatives, highlighting concerns over the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's role in funding media outlets perceived as promoting disinformation.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into NPR and PBS, focusing on potential violations of their FCC licenses. Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that the inquiry will examine whether member stations of these publicly funded broadcasters are airing underwriting announcements that may cross into prohibited commercial content. Carr emphasized the importance of holding all broadcasters accountable to public interest obligations. This investigation could influence Congress's decision on whether to continue funding local stations. NPR and PBS have denied any violations, asserting adherence to FCC rules. The investigation follows a letter from Carr to NPR and PBS leadership and comes as the House Subcommittee on Delivering Government Efficiency prepares to hold a hearing on federally funded media. Agency Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the move, calling it an effort to weaponize the FCC's power. The investigation is seen by some as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize public media, which has faced longstanding criticism from conservatives over alleged liberal bias.