CPB Emergency Grant Assistance Expanded

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced that it will provide an additional $500,000 in immediate assistance to public television and radio stations in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The additional funds bring the total of CPB's emergency assistance to stations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to more than $1,000,000. CPB has already made 23 grants totaling $582,000 to public radio and television stations throughout the area. This immediate infusion of money has helped cover payroll at the New Orleans television and radio stations (which are still off the air); funded distribution of DVDs and books to children in shelters in Mississippi; and helped with the costs of emergency power generation. Grants have also been used for expanded local news coverage of the storm and to repair or replace damaged broadcast equipment, among other things. The second series of grants will help stations continue to provide services during what is likely to be an extended recovery period. Public broadcasting stations around the country continue to pitch in to help their colleagues with equipment, professional assistance, and fundraising support. Stations are also providing information to evacuees and working with relief agencies to inform the public about where to donate and how to help. Additionally, CPB is seeking emergency supplemental funding from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and Congress to help stations meet extraordinary needs with what are likely to be sharply reduced revenues.
[SOURCE: Corporation for Public Broadcasting press release]