Public Broadcasting Funding Cut

Apparently, a house subcommittee has voted to slash funding for Public Broadcasting by approximately 45%. As a sponsor of NPR throughout the years, and a person who spent much of my childhood watching WVIA, it should go without saying that I'm tweaked. The final measure is supposed to go before the full house for a vote next week.

Our local radio station has begun a campaign to mobilize it's sponsors to take action to oppose this. Perhaps more importantly, moveon.org has an online petition, as well as an optional "email your congressperson" option, which may simplify things. Further, Common Cause has the contact info for the Appropriations Committee leadership, if you're really motivated.

***(New! June 20th)*** Media Matters has a blog running currently (I wonder if anyone is co-ordinating these things?) on the subject, which can be found here.

I've just sent the following letter to my representative, and intend to call his office tomorrow morning, as well as the committee chairpersons.

Of course, I urge anyone who cares to do the same.

*****************************

June 14, 2005

Dear Congressman Sherwood,

Recently, the House Labor, Health and Human Services sub-committee voted to cut federal funds for Public Broadcasting by approximately 45%. As a constituent of your district as well as a sponsor of NPR, I want to stress my opposition to this move which would surely cripple many public broadcasting stations. I understand that this measure may go before the full house for a vote as early as next week, and if so, I urge you to vote against this measure.

In this age of corporate media ownership, Public Broadcasting is a valuable national resource preserving an objective viewpoint separated from the whims of corporate management and advertisers. The willingness of individuals across the country to pledge their own money to sponsor the programming should underscore the value and importance that Public Broadcasting provides to our citizens. The contribution provided by the federal government is a key part of the national partnership to produce Public Broadcasting programming.

In summary, Public Broadcasting is a valuable national resource, and one that I and many other citizens feel very strongly about. The dual partnership between the listening public and the federal government is critical to preserving the ongoing quality programming produced by PBS stations nationwide. I urge you to oppose the attempts to cut the funding for Public Broadcasting, and instead vote to restore the appropriate levels of funding.

Sincerely,

(personal information removed)