LPB RESPONDS TO CONGRESSIONAL PASSAGE OF RESCISSIONS BILL

(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – JULY 18, 2025) – This week, Congress passed a rescissions bill that eliminates previously approved federal funding for public broadcasting. For Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), that means a loss of $2.4 million in annual support, funding that helps us deliver trusted children’s programs, maintain vital emergency communications infrastructure, and create and share stories and documentaries that define our state.

While this setback is serious, it is not insurmountable.

“The loss of this funding will present a challenge, but Louisianans know how to face challenges,” said LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C.” Copeland. “Our mission is simple and strong: to serve the people of Louisiana. It is at the very heart of our mission. For nearly 50 years we have done that — through acclaimed weekly series like Louisiana: The State We’re In and Art Rocks!, to original limited series and documentaries such as Louisiana Spotlight, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! and The Precipice.”

“LPB is a part of the cultural and civic fabric of this state,” Copeland added. “We remain committed to doing the right things for the right reasons, telling Louisiana stories, helping to educate our children, and connecting communities through trusted information. That doesn’t change today, or tomorrow.”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is a statewide network with transmitter sites in Baton Rouge, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Alexandria. In partnership with our sister station WLAE-TV in New Orleans, LPB reaches all corners of the state. We are Louisiana’s storyteller, its largest digital classroom, and emergency lifeline.

No matter the challenge, LPB will continue to serve Louisiana — because this is our home, and our mission is to serve it.