Phase-out of state aid proposed in RI, Oklahoma

Public broadcasting networks continue to deal with the uncertainties of state funding in economically and politically precarious times, closing offices, facing possible cuts and bracing for the consequences.

In Rhode Island, Gov Lincoln Chafee's latest budget, unveiled Jan. 31, proposes eliminating state funding to Rhode Island PBS by fiscal year 2014. Support would fall from around $933,000, about a third of the station's budget, to $425,000 next fiscal year, then zero out.

In Oklahoma, a bill in the state Senate proposes zeroing out funding for pubcasting next fiscal year, while a bill in the House would eliminate funding over five years. Representatives of The Oklahoma Network (OETA), which operates 19 stations and translators throughout the state, have been meeting with lawmakers to discuss the prospects.

South Carolina ETV closed its office in Beaufort, laid off its two staff members and ceased its local contributions to the state network' programming. The layoffs stem from cuts in state funding that went into effect last year. The Feb. 2 closing will save SCETV about $180,000 annually, says President Linda O'Bryon. The network will continue to provide radio and TV service in the area despite the closing, and it will explore leasing the space.

In Idaho, Gov. Butch Otter is recommending a no-growth operating budget for Idaho Public Television. Idaho is one of at least four states — along with North Carolina, Oklahoma and Maine — considering shutting down transmitters serving sparsely populated regions due to funding constraints.

In Kansas, lawmakers shot down a bid last week to increase funding for state pubcasters. A House budget subcommittee had proposed adding $800,000 to the $600,000 given to pubcasting in Gov. Sam Brownback's budget, but the Appropriations Committee nixed the addition. Kansas allocated $2 million to pubcasting this fiscal year.