goodbye public broadcasting?

i'm afraid.

when i have children, i can't imagine not being able to sit down and watch sesame street with them. i can't imagine not being able to listen to morning edition or all things considered on my way to and from work. i can't imagine not being able to have a nice cup o' joe while listening to wait wait don't tell me and this american life every saturday morning. i can't imagine my wife not being able to watch eastenders...

it's hard to visualize what impact budget cuts to the corporation for public broadcasting (cpb) and the public telecommunications facilities program (ptfp) would be on our local public radio and tv stations... no worry, it's been done for us. here's how spindale's wncw would be affected:

Total cuts could exceed $110,000. Based on prior year funding, WNCW estimates it could lose up to $73,000 in Community Service Grants. In addition, the Digital Conversion Grant program has been an important source of capital funding for equipment needed to prepare WNCW's transmitter for digital HD Radio broadcasting. This year, WNCW received $37,500 in grants from the Digital Conversion Fund with another $37,500 due from CPB next year so WNCW can complete the project.

These cuts would severely impact local programming production and broadcast operations, as WNCW would be forced to reallocate funds and potentially eliminate staff positions and services to the public.

and asheville's own wcqs:

CPB funding provides operating and program acquisition funds to WCQS. PTFP funding is our “venture capital” - which allows us to acquire broadcast equipment. WCQS currently has $360,000 in PTFP applications pending: one to move and rebuild our Mars Hill transmitter - a critical step in getting our new station up and running, and one to build our Bryson City translator. Both of these projects are in jeopardy if PTFP funding is eliminated

and, last but not least, unc-tv

If the full Congress approves this action it will reduce UNC-TV's general operating budget by a minimum of $750,000 next year, and will also eliminate $60,000 that funds UNC-TV's Ready to Learn program activities. This will result in a significant reduction in UNC-TV's programs and services for the people of North Carolina, including key services for teachers and children.

that's a estimated grand total of $1,280,000.

pertinent contact information can be found on sen. dole's, sen. burr's and rep. taylor's websites. you know what to do.

in the meantime, please consider making a donation to the public broadcaster of your choice...