By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 3-18-19
President Donald Trump has once again recommended phasing out federal funding for noncommercial TV and radio–comprising about 15% of noncom’s total budget–but if recent past is any guide, he does not have enough support in Congress on either side of the aisle.
The phase-out was part of the President’s budget, submitted to Congress last week. The budget is a recommendation, with Congress having the ultimate power of the purse.
That budget recommends phasing out funding over a two-year period, pointing out that the majority of funds comes from private donations, which the White House suggests could pick up the rest of the load.
Current federal funding is about $445 million per year. The President wants to allocate $30 million per year over two years for wind-down expenses, covering personnel costs of $20 million; rental costs of $30 million; and other costs of $10 million. » Read More