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State Funding To Public Broadcasting Stations To Be Cut Further in 2010

T

The Voice of Reason

I just returned from a business trip to the state capitol where I had the opportunity to meet with a few friends of mine who work for some powerful state lawmakers.

During lunch they mentioned that state funding for public broadcasting stations will be reduced even further than originally thought. One person emphasized that these cuts will be more severe than what was originally proposed in early 2009 and, in her words, "no amount of lobbying by these stations will restore funding." She added her boss and other state lawmakers are very concerned about the public's mood regarding spending and many (lawmakers) feel giving state aid to public broadcasting is not a high priority.

If you remember earlier this year a reduction in state aid forced some public stations to either cut personnel, reduce salaries for both executives and employees, or offer early retirement packages.

From the conversation I had with people in the know, don't be surprised if there is another round of layoffs in 2010. So be prepared for more, and longer on-air pledge drives.
 
Hard to have a lot of sympathy when you note how outclassed commerical facilities have bveen compared to the fairly opulent (in comparison) public channels facilities.
 
By the same token, there's no shortage of criticism about the faults of commercial radio. And as I posted in another area, FCC Comissioner Michael Copps wants to encourage public media. But no one, from the public to the state to the feds, want to actually PAY for it. When I was running an NPR station, we determined that less than 10% of our listening audience actually became paying members. That's not good. So everyone likes what they do, they just don't want to pay.
 
"Hard to have a lot of sympathy when you note how outclassed commerical facilities have bveen compared to the fairly opulent (in comparison) public channels facilities"

Given that in the Rochester market all the principal commercial clusters have moved into new and state of the art facilities in or near the downtown core (class A office space paying, presumably, rents commensurate with that), that observation--if it ever held true--does not apply now.
 
She added her boss and other state lawmakers are very concerned about the public's mood regarding spending and many (lawmakers) feel giving state aid to public broadcasting is not a high priority.
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:D Thanks for the laugh, I needed it. If what she said is true, then Albany really is clueless. People are worried about state spending quite vocally until it's THEIR favorite program/project that gets cut...and there's no better entity about restoring cuts than PBS. Every time Congressional Republicans have tried to slash PBS spending, all the stations have to do is tell their audience that the mean, nasty, out-of-touch politicians are trying to kill Elmo and cut Big Bird. When you suddenly have hordes of parents with young children screaming at you to not touch PBS, you tend to restore funding. It's worked at least a dozen times. ::)

"Hard to have a lot of sympathy when you note how outclassed commerical facilities have bveen compared to the fairly opulent (in comparison) public channels facilities"
Given that in the Rochester market all the principal commercial clusters have moved into new and state of the art facilities in or near the downtown core (class A office space paying, presumably, rents commensurate with that), that observation--if it ever held true--does not apply now.
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No kidding. Have you all SEEN our facilities at WEOS? We're in an old, creaky converted house fer cryin' out loud. It's got a 12 degree list to port!
 
aaronread said:
Have you all SEEN our facilities at WEOS? We're in an old, creaky converted house fer cryin' out loud. It's got a 12 degree list to port!
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And here we thought you public radio types leaned toward a chardonnay or reisling. :D Rimshot: Grey Fidelipac.
 
JimPastrick said:
aaronread said:
Have you all SEEN our facilities at WEOS? We're in an old, creaky converted house fer cryin' out loud. It's got a 12 degree list to port!
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And here we thought you public radio types leaned toward a chardonnay or reisling. :D Rimshot: Grey Fidelipac.
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Port is left! The rumors have been proven true. Again with the rimshot!
 
Jim and Jim, best comedy team this side of the janitor's closet! ::) Well played, guys. I guess since WEOS airs Democracy Now I must lean towards fruit wines? lol (actually, I rather do like fruit wines, but that's just 'cos I've got a sweet tooth)
 
umtrr-author said:
The question is whether you ever drank that Kool-Aid, Mark...

(ducking)
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Jim Jones said it would taste real good. :eek:

On a more serious note; I don't think it comes as a surprise that government funding for public broadcasting will feel the hit this new year. It will be especially tough for smaller-market stations and those affiliated with colleges.

That is why listeners and viewers to public radio and television really have to "step up to the plate" and donate money if they want to see this type of programming continue.

It is not an idle threat that without additional funding some programs and personnel will be eliminated. Look at how many stations across the country have had to layoff people in 2009. Some stations were forced to scrap entire news staffs because of a short-fall in their budgets.

I especially want to give kudos to those station executives who took pay cuts in order to keep people employed rather than pocket a nice fat bonus while handing out pink slips.
 
FWIW, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli told me today that given the major hit education, culture and social service organizations have already taken iin the last 12 months, it's time now for GOVERNMENT at all levels to start economizing. Sounds like the state and local governments are going to take the brunt of the cuts this time...
 
Bob1370 said:
FWIW, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli told me today that given the major hit education, culture and social service organizations have already taken iin the last 12 months, it's time now for GOVERNMENT at all levels to start economizing. Sounds like the state and local governments are going to take the brunt of the cuts this time...
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Yeah, I can just see Albany "rightsizing". Next they cut out pork, right?
 
With apologies in advance to Mr. Smith and Mr. Fybush, I must say that I'm not looking forward to the barrage of requests to increase my pledge or renew my membership in a certain local public broadcasting outlet, that will no doubt result from this news.

I've just paid the credit card bill for my pledge this year, and what's in the mail? A letter wondering whether I'd like to increase it for this year.

Come on, fundraising arm of (or perhaps contracted third party acting on behalf of) certain local public broadcasting outlet... things are tough all over! We all do what we can when we can, and I'm sure we'll do something to show our support in 2010. But can we please get through 2009 first?
 
umtrr-author said:
With apologies in advance to Mr. Smith and Mr. Fybush, I must say that I'm not looking forward to the barrage of requests to increase my pledge or renew my membership in a certain local public broadcasting outlet, that will no doubt result from this news.

I've just paid the credit card bill for my pledge this year, and what's in the mail? A letter wondering whether I'd like to increase it for this year.

Come on, fundraising arm of (or perhaps contracted third party acting on behalf of) certain local public broadcasting outlet... things are tough all over! We all do what we can when we can, and I'm sure we'll do something to show our support in 2010. But can we please get through 2009 first?
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Hey be thankful they don't ask you to include the station in your will.

Also remember that the top management wants to make sure they get their "piece of the pie" for next year. Five people, including the CEO, are pulling down some major buckaroos and benefits and they sure don't want to lose that because of a reduction in private contributions.

And for those of you already tired of the numerous on-air fundraising drives; be prepared for more and longer ones next year; especially if the state fails to come across with government funding.
 
Actually, I think I recall hearing on-air discussions with respect to "remembering Public Broadcasting in your estate planning..."
 
Element9 said:
"Remember public radio in your estate." That upper crust brand of humor always brings a chuckle to a mutt like me.
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Hey, you never know, Niner. Some regular guy who invested well in his lifetime and was a lover of classical music died and left a few million to WNED-FM.
 
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