Prairie Public supporters urge North Dakota Senate to restore state funding

Public broadcasting has long been a trusted source for news, education, and cultural programming, but in North Dakota, its future is uncertain. Lawmakers are debating whether Prairie Public Broadcasting should continue receiving taxpayer support, with a House-approved bill now before the Senate that would cut state funding entirely. Supporters argue the move threatens local programming, while opponents say Prairie Public can survive on private donations. At stake is more than just dollars—it’s a question of what role public media should play in a rapidly changing information landscape. Michael Achterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details are below.