Cuomo's Budget Calls for 10% State Cut in Public Broadcasting Funding

[Mark Giardina]

Part of Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed state budget calls for a ten percent reduction in state aid for public broadcasting.
This will have a serious impact on many public stations across the state. As we all know when it comes to cuts, people normally are the first to go, then it's programming.

If you currently work at a public broadcasting operation, I'm curious what options are being discussed at your station.

Personally I feel that this is the time when people who enjoy public radio and television pony up and start to contribute. Government funding has been getting tighter each year. Pretty soon the well is going to run dry.

 

[TheBigA]

Personally I feel that this is the time when people who enjoy public radio and television pony up and start to contribute. Government funding has been getting tighter each year. Pretty soon the well is going to run dry.

People are basically cheap. A lot feel that if they can watch without paying, they will. If they don't pay their cable or electric bill, it gets shut off. But if they freeload on public broadcasting, they can continue to enjoy it. That's wrong.

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

Personally I feel that this is the time when people who enjoy public radio and television pony up and start to contribute. Government funding has been getting tighter each year. Pretty soon the well is going to run dry.

People are basically cheap. A lot feel that if they can watch without paying, they will. If they don't pay their cable or electric bill, it gets shut off. But if they freeload on public broadcasting, they can continue to enjoy it. That's wrong.

Yup. It is wrong. For (many) years, I was a member of both public radio families here. No longer. Perhaps I'll renew. I know I should, so many of my friends work (or worked) at each station. The programming has great value and I'm a daily listener. I'm still a great advocate of the stations as noted by many posts here on behalf of WNED-AM and WBFO. Unfortunately, I reached a point where I thought "it's time for somebody else to carry the load." Truthfully, I became a bit jaded when friends were down-sized, some salaries seemed bloated and mergers were announced. Over the years I supported Big Bird, Morning Edition and the weekend Blues Shows.

A few former employees have serious issues with WNYPB. My observation is these are tough times for a lot of folks in Buffalo and Western New York. Big A makes a legitimate point. But there are those (far less fortunate than I) who have to choose between groceries and membership. They choose to eat.

 

[TheBigA]

Big A makes a legitimate point. But there are those (far less fortunate than I) who have to choose between groceries and membership. They choose to eat.

And some of the programming, mandated by the state funding, is meant for lower income or fixed income residents.

 

[aaronread]

Naturally, these cuts will disproportionately affect dual licensees (radio & TV) more as - generally speaking - the TV sides are more reliant on state funding to produce several programs.

I know comparatively little about public TV, especially in NY...how much of the programming on stations like WXXI, WCNY and WNED is required by the state? As in, regardless of whether or not the state pays for it, they have to produce it and/or air it? (unfunded mandates) If relevant, how does it compare to programming they're required to air but only because they take the money. As in, if they stopped taking the money, they could drop the show(s)...although I suppose that could mean giving up a lot more money than they'd lose by absorbing the 10% cut. Honestly I don't know.

I mostly know radio, where a 10% cut in state funding would mean 10% less of zero dollars at my station. :

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

In Buffalo, there very likely will be more concern about Roswell Park Cancer Institute losing 30% of its state funding, as reported in today Buffalo News. Hundreds of employees and research projects will be adversely affected. For those not familiar, Roswell Park is one of the premier cancer research and treatment hospitals in the United States. The state budget cuts will have an impact on every governmental, educational and non-profit entity in the state. Comparatively speaking, this puts the cuts to public radio and TV in a different perspective. I also realize that this thread could be taking a turn off topic, but that's not my intent. It's been my observation that when people are asked to contribute to non-profits, like most businesses, they prioritize. "Greater good" organizations such as Catholic Charities, United Jewish Appeal, United Way, Cradle Beach, Variety Club, local volunteer fire departments/first responders and food banks usually are at the top of the contributors' lists. Buffalo and Western New York, despite economic hardships, is one of the most generous and sharing communities in the state. It's going to be tougher than ever for all NPO's, including public radio and television, to notch themselves farther up on the givers' priority lists. Unfortunate, indeed.

 

[heydaybegone]

And some of the programming, mandated by the state funding, is meant for lower income or fixed income residents.

And this ranks right up there with the value of broadcasting on TV that a "Code Blue" is in effect for those needing shelter in freezing conditions ???.. It must be true then, that everyone that is homeless has a television, from which this info can be received...again the "one's that need it most" ???

I'll leave it at that.

HDBG

 

[The Voice of Reason]

Rest assured that a ten percent cut from the state will not impact the salaries and benefits of certain people in management. It will be the regular staff that will feel the impact of budget cuts.

Factoring in all the programs funded by New York State, the complete elimination of funding for public broadcasting wouldn't be such a bad idea. As Jim Pastrick mentioned, Roswell Park Cancer Institute faces a larger cut in state aid.

So what's more important; treating cancer patients, or keeping Morning Edition and Big Bird on the air?

 

[TheBigA]

So what's more important; treating cancer patients, or keeping Morning Edition and Big Bird on the air?

No one is requiring that anyone make that choice. No one is completely defunding either, so both will still be available.

But do you have cancer? If not, why should you have to pay for someone else's cancer treatment if you're healthy? I don't bring this up to discuss cancer, but to apply the logic that the cost of public broadcasting should only be born by the users. You go into a hospital seeking treatment, the first thing they ask you is how you will pay for it. You turn on the TV to watch Sesame Street, and you're on the honor system. And only a small percentage ever follow through. See the difference? If we ran our medical system the way we run public broadcasting, it would be in far worse shape than it is.

 

[TheBigA]

In Buffalo, there very likely will be more concern about Roswell Park Cancer Institute losing 30% of its state funding, as reported in today

Good point. So let's compare RPCI and WBFO.

This past year, it was announced that WBFO will enter an agreement with community licensee WNED. The agreement basically removes the cost of running WBFO from the University of Buffalo's responsibility. I'm assuming that means the studios will move off campus at some point.

By contrast, read this quote from RPCI's director Dr. Donald Trump (who is not the real estate executive):

This reduction of $32.8 million for the fiscal year beginning on April 1, 2011, impacts not only operational support, but critical capital support for our buildings and property, which New York State still owns.

So the state owns the buildings and property. That's a significant cost. Imagine how much money RCPI and the state would save if they somehow merged with a for-profit medical operation. In other words, why not do what WBFO did? Is it good? Is it bad? Not for me to say. But this is an option that faces ALL non profits as they cope with state budget cuts as well as shortfalls in donations. The downside is that it further concentrates and consolidates ownership in fewer hands. Have we heard that before? Do the ends of lower taxes justify the means of consolidation? I throw it back to you.

PS: Hey VOR! How much does Dr. Trump make?

 

[cee]

Maybe I've got it wrong, but -- hasn't Bob Smith mentioned in the past that WXXI doesn't get any funds from NYS or the feds for running their operation(except for producing a few specific shows)? But other public broadcast operations do get money for their annual operating budgets? I don't know - I'm not all that familiar with public broadcasting. But if WXXI can indeed get by without Albany or DC's help, then maybe everyone else needs to be more aggressive/creative in their fund raising and grant writing.

 

[heydaybegone]

Do I dare suggest "out of the box" thinking on this board?
Yes, I do...because there are great minds working here. (until I throw this one out) ;D

My present occupation allows me to work out of a home office. Yes, on payroll...no business deductions. That has it's ups & downs but that's not the point here.

Many of these funding cuts CAN be offset by technology & reduction of office space!! Case in point...where I sit..my company cut about 99% of it's office costs by: setting up internet remote operations (not only to Buffalo but Ohio), check writing capabilities to once or twice per week via swap outs, having a physical address for mail, and a WHOLE lot more CREATIVE looks at business practices!! ;D ;D
YES!! I'm saying that this can be done for the "office draining" costs associated with having to do with "office workers". There are 2 caviats associated with this - (ok- the worst kind- the employee has to be disciplined to do their job)) Bygones...no brainer...forget that!!
Second...the check signers are within an earshot of Fed EX!!

Case closed. Creative thinking works. Been doing this for over two years now.

Always here....and That's all

HDBG

PS - Suggestions welcome...this was a freebie suggestion...because I think it's the future anyway

 

[TheBigA]

Great idea. The capitol building in Albany would make an great luxury hotel. Looks like the Frontenac in Quebec City. Have all the politicians meet via teleconference.

 

[heydaybegone]

Have all the politicians meet via teleconference.

Hello? I like it!! Think about it. It can be done!! (There's the first million in travel expense off the State budget!)
(I assume you mean turning the Capitol into a hotel...producing revenue..as opposed to spending it: re:great luxury hotel)

Thanks A....

HDBG

 

[Bob1370]

"Voice of Reason" rants as follows; "Factoring in all the programs funded by New York State, the complete elimination of funding for public broadcasting wouldn't be such a bad idea. As Jim Pastrick mentioned, Roswell Park Cancer Institute faces a larger cut in state aid.
So what's more important; treating cancer patients, or keeping Morning Edition and Big Bird on the air?"

Leaving aside your apparent personal grievances evidenced in post after post against one or more individuals in the public broadcasting sector, sir, why should our communities have to make that choice? Both endeavors are worthy of far MORE support than the powers-that-be choose to dispense. The community has to make up the difference.

 

[Bob1370]

"Maybe I've got it wrong, but -- hasn't Bob Smith mentioned in the past that WXXI doesn't get any funds from NYS or the feds for running their operation(except for producing a few specific shows)?"

Applies to day-to-day operations exclusively on the AM-FM side of things, but as I also mentioned at the same time, there is a whole range of TELEVISION operations (especially children's programming), as well as special multimedia projects that are seen/heard across ALL the platforms, that aren't self-sufficient financially and rely either on public or private grants or a combination of the two.

Believe me, you'd miss them if they were gone.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

"Voice of Reason" rants as follows; "Factoring in all the programs funded by New York State, the complete elimination of funding for public broadcasting wouldn't be such a bad idea. As Jim Pastrick mentioned, Roswell Park Cancer Institute faces a larger cut in state aid.
So what's more important; treating cancer patients, or keeping Morning Edition and Big Bird on the air?"
Leaving aside your apparent personal grievances evidenced in post after post against one or more individuals in the public broadcasting sector, sir, why should our communities have to make that choice? Both endeavors are worthy of far MORE support than the powers-that-be choose to dispense. The community has to make up the difference.

Rants? How about speaking the truth, of which you seem to want buried in the sand like an ostrich’s head.

This state is near bankruptcy and Governor Cuomo has proposed cutting funding to all municipalities, school districts, and other entities, which are far more important that pouring money into something that should be self-sufficient like public broadcasting.

A ten percent reduction in state aid isn’t going to put your radio station out of business Dr. Smith. It might force your CEO to drive his station bought SUV for another few years instead of getting a new one, but so what!

Meanwhile Roswell Cancer Center will experience a 30% reduction in state aid. I think that’s a hell of a lot more important than your overpaid bosses lining more money in their pockets versus an organization that helps cancer victims.

 

[The Voice of Reason]

"Maybe I've got it wrong, but -- hasn't Bob Smith mentioned in the past that WXXI doesn't get any funds from NYS or the feds for running their operation(except for producing a few specific shows)?"

Applies to day-to-day operations exclusively on the AM-FM side of things, but as I also mentioned at the same time, there is a whole range of TELEVISION operations (especially children's programming), as well as special multimedia projects that are seen/heard across ALL the platforms, that aren't self-sufficient financially and rely either on public or private grants or a combination of the two.

Believe me, you'd miss them if they were gone.

Baloney!

There are so many programs already on cable television geared towards the shows PBS airs.

You have the Science Channel; the History Channel;
C-Span; and if you are a local or state news junkie, there is Capital Tonight. Also there are numerous children’s’ shows. The only difference is while these programs air commercials, public-broadcasting airs “underwriting”; which is another term for commercials without jingles.

Don’t you folks in public broadcasting get tired of dragging out that stale old mantra that if people fail to donate money that Big Bird will be taken off the air?

It’s not about the loss of programs; it’s about how much money top executives can scam from a gullible public.

 

[cee]

I don't agree with the cable argument. You have to pay for cable. And a lot of people choose not to have it, even though they can afford it. There should be one free TV station in every area that is non profit and focuses on non commercial programming. That said, I still think many local PBS stations have gotten too big for their britches and should have stuck to their core goal - providing quality television programming and not working on other projects, like building multi-million dollar facilities. But since that's already happened, more underwriting might be one solution. I'd personally rather see that than local PBS employees lose their jobs.

One observation here: if all state funding were cut and that money was used for Roswell Park and other medical research centers in NY, would that make much of a dent in the proposed medical cuts we're hashing out here? Just wondering.

 

[JustPastBuffalo]

Hoping this thread doesn't take a hard left turn into oncoming traffic, I'll try to re-set the table. Dr. Trump, who is a respected oncologist and researcher, makes about $550 thousand a year as CEO of Roswell Park.

The CEO salary issue, especially as it applies to public broadcasting facilities, has been a topic of heated debate on this board. Although CEO compensation is debatable (it's a message board after all, not a doctoral thesis), it may be better to re-frame the issues and concentrate on the challenges facing all non-profit organizations (NPOs.)

Dr. Trump oversees a complex entity involving hundreds of highly skilled and educated employees and an operational budget of nearly $500 million, according to an independent audit.

Although New York State owns the buildings, Roswell Park as an independent entity, pays for their upkeep and capital improvements. "Roswell," as it's known to many of us in Western New York, has a history of community involvement and relationships as a "teaching hospital" associated with the University at Buffalo and other notable institutions of higher learning.

Like many members of the Western New York community, cancer has touched the lives of four members of my extended family. Three have returned to whole health and the prognosis of the fourth is good. To say we are grateful for the benefits of Roswell in our community would be an understatement. Similarly, I and many Western New Yorkers are grateful for the presence of public radio and television here. But to compare and parse the benefits of the two entities and pit them against one another, is an "apples to oranges" comparison.

Regarding WBFO moving off campus, there is recent word from reliable sources that UB President Dr. John Simpson may be re-thinking this matter or at least putting off the final decision pending further study and definition by WNYPB and the University. There seems to be a desire within the University community to move WBFO off South Campus to allow the building in which it's quartered to be used for purposes in line with the University's expansion plans. UB South, as I have read, will become a "health-medical-and life sciences" campus.

WBFO could just as easily move to the North Campus as to the waterfront home of WNYPB. This is speculation on my part.

It may be the case that more university administrative personnel and educators have become aware of the value of WBFO and would like it to remain an integral part of the University, but given the budgets cuts, this may be a luxury. Imagine the head of the bio-sciences, law and/or music departments finding that $200 thousand has been siphoned from their budgets and allocated to WBFO. To quote George Costanza, "Worlds collide, Jerry!"