Trump wants to zero PBS funds
February 13, 2018
President Trump has returned to promoting zero funding for public broadcasting it became clear as the President’s proposed 2019 budget was revealed.
The budget cuts all but $15 million for public media in 2019 and 2020. The allocation has been $445 million per year.
Reported in B&C, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger commented: “Public broadcasting has earned bipartisan Congressional support over the years thanks to the value we provide to taxpayers… PBS, our 350 member stations and our legions of local supporters will continue to remind leaders in Washington of the significant benefits the public receives in return for federal funding, a modest investment of about $1.35 per citizen per year, which include school readiness for kids 2-8, support for teachers and homeschoolers, public safety communications and lifelong learning. PBS is focused on providing high-quality content and universal public service to the American people, which is why we enjoy strong support in every region of the country, in both rural and urban areas, and across the political spectrum.”