Written by: Tom Rieland
Date: February 11, 2011
This coming week, the House of Representatives is expected to debate and vote on a Continuing Resolution that lays the foundation for the complete cessation of federal support for public broadcasting. The current Resolution zeroes out federal funding for public TV and Radio and eliminates such successful early childhood programs as Ready to Learn. The House Majority Leader has indicated debate on the bill will begin this Tuesday.
Federal support provides a critical share of WOSU Public Media funding ($1.4 million) and total elimination of funding will spark the demise of many public stations across the country.
These funds help WOSU deliver educational, commercial-free programming that expands children’s minds, create local and national documentaries that open up new worlds to our audience, and bring trusted news on WOSU TV and 89-7 NPR News that keeps you informed. It also helps us support the local arts through our all-day classical radio station, Classical 101.
Some say that there is no longer a need for federal support for public broadcasting. Others believe it’s one of the worthiest places to invest minimal federal dollars. Most important is what you think.
We ask that you will call your Members of Congress and tell them what you think of public media and the proposed elimination of all funding. Call the general switchboard at the Capitol at 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121 and request to speak to your congressman’s office.
The WOSU coverage area is primarily represented by Rep. Pat Tiberi, Rep. Steve Stivers and Rep. Bob Gibbs. Please call YOUR congressman today to express your opinion about the complete loss of federal funding to public media. We need your help NOW!
You can also keep informed by visiting 170millionamericans.org and sign up to receive updates. Every month, public media reaches over 170 million Americans through its locally based public broadcast stations. A complete loss of federal funding could mean the end of public broadcasting in many communities, and to much of what WOSU provides in programming and services to serve central and southern Ohio.
The future of public media is at stake, it’s important that your elected representatives hear directly from you about whether or not funding for should be continued. Go to 170millionamericans.org for more information.
Thank you for taking action now.