A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER OF WSRE:
FUNDING CUTS TO PUBLIC BROADCASTINGCongress will take a critical vote in the next few days on proposed legislation to eliminate all federal support for the nation’s public television and radio stations. In addition, the Governor of Florida has proposed a budget that does not include any level of funding for Florida’s 26 public broadcasting stations.
While this funding provides a portion of the station’s overall funding, it is a critical piece of our funding equation. Locally, WSRE is able to leverage every $1 of federal and state funding to raise an additional $6 through contributions from on-air fundraising, private grants, and other donors who voluntarily support our community-based work.
This funding helps WSRE deliver educational and commercial-free programming that expands children’s minds, documentaries that open up new worlds to you, trusted news programs that keep you informed, and specials that transport you to the worlds of music, theater, dance, and art.
Some say that there is no longer a need for federal and state funded support for public broadcasting. Others believe it’s one of the worthiest places to invest dollars. More importantly, though, is what you think.
We seek to keep you informed so that you can decide the best course of action to take to support WSRE.
More information about the fight for federal funding is available by visiting 170millionamericans.org.
Sincerely,
Sandy Cesaretti Ray
General Manager
WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast
