Stephen Colbert took to 'The Late Show' to underscore the importance of public radio in a lively interview with NPR president and CEO Katherine Maher. During the interview, Colbert and Maher discussed the potential fallout from Congress's decision to slash $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a move described as part of Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'. This funding cut threatens to shutter up to 80 public radio stations, impacting the delivery of local news.

Maher expressed concern over the closures, pointing out that one in five Americans already lacks access to local news. She warned that losing these stations could undermine public trust and democracy itself. While NPR's national programs like 'Morning Edition' and 'All Things Considered' receive minimal federal funding, it's the local shows and community services that are at risk. Maher highlighted examples of local content such as lost dog reports and community classifieds that foster neighborhood connections.

Colbert ended the segment by thanking Maher for her efforts in maintaining public airwaves, stressing the value of public radio as a bastion of community spirit and reliable information. The full interview with Maher can be watched at the top of the post.