News on Federal Funding for Public Broadcasting

The House has passed H.R. 3019, a Continuing Resolution that would fund federal departments and agencies for the rest of fiscal year 1996. It contains funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of $250 million and $15.5 million for the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP). The Senate is expected to work on its version of the Continuing Resolution this week. The present CR expires on March 15.

The House Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee held a hearing Thursday, February 29 to discuss the future of public broadcasting. A number of public broadcasting officials from NPR, PBS, APTS, CPB and other organizations were invited to testify.

Subcommittee Chairman Jack Fields (R-TX) has introduced The Public Broadcasting Self-Sufficiency Act of 1996 in the House. This bill calls for the establishment of a trust fund to support public broadcasting efforts, as well as a number of other changes in the financing and structure of public broadcasting.

See also:
Legislative Update from America's Public Television Stations
Testimony of CPB President Richard Carlson Before House Subcommittee (February 29)
Testimony of NPR President Delano Lewis Before House Subcommittee (February 29)
Public Broadcasters' Investment Fund Proposal
Facts About Federal Funding for Ohio University Public Radio and Television
Senator Pressler's Remarks about New Souces of Funding for Public Broadcasting
Contact Your Member of Congress Online (courtesy: WOSU/Columbus)
News Releases from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
National Networks Propose Plan to Preserve Public Broadcasting
Charges and Realities: The Facts About Public Broadcasting (APTS)
Activities of Other Groups in Support of Public Broadcasting

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