PBS has officially canceled its long-standing program, PBS News Weekend, with the final broadcast airing on January 11, 2026. This decision follows significant cuts in federal funding for public media. The cancellation marks the end of a show that has been a staple for viewers seeking weekend news coverage.
The announcement was made by PBS anchors Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett during a special segment on PBS NewsHour just days before the show’s conclusion. Nawaz explained, “Due to federal budget cuts, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to rework our staffing and programming.” She expressed gratitude towards the team, stating, “You and your team have done incredible storytelling and covered major breaking news every weekend.”
In a heartfelt farewell, anchor John Yang, who has been with the program since 2022, reflected on the show’s legacy. “As you may know, this is the last broadcast of PBS News Weekend, at least for the foreseeable future,” he noted during the final episode. Yang acknowledged the contributions of his team, emphasizing their dedication and creativity in delivering news each week.
The cancellation comes in the wake of an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in May 2025, which halted federal funding for PBS. This funding cut has had far-reaching impacts on the organization, leading to the difficult choice to discontinue the popular weekend news show.
PBS plans to replace PBS News Weekend with two new programs: Horizons, focused on science and technology issues, airing on Saturdays, and Compass Points, which will cover foreign affairs on Sundays. These shows aim to fill the gap left by the cancellation, although they will not replicate the extensive news coverage that PBS News Weekend provided.
The decision has left many viewers disappointed, as the program was recognized for its in-depth reporting and engaging storytelling. As the news landscape continues to evolve, the implications of federal funding cuts on public broadcasting remain a pressing concern for many stakeholders in the media industry.
As PBS transitions to this new format, loyal viewers and staff alike reflect on the legacy of PBS News Weekend and the significant role it played in informing the public over the years.
