The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a cornerstone of American culture for three generations, announced Friday it would take steps toward its own closure after being defunded by Congress — marking the end of a nearly six-decade era in which it fueled the production of renowned educational programming,

The CPB announced it would close on Sept. 30, after Trump last month signed legislation canceling their funding for the next two years.

Supporters of public broadcasting warn the cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will force the closure of smaller rural stations across the country.