The “massive cuts” proposed to Kansas public broadcasting will hit Smoky Hills Public TV and High Plains Public Radio the worst, reports the Hays Daily News. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback proposed the reductions when in his 2012 budget last week. The state is facing a $550 million revenue shortfall. He wants to eliminate some $1.6 million in state aid typically budgeted pubcasting. The two stations in western Kansas receive a total of $750,000. High Plains would see its budget cut 20 percent; Smokey Hills, 23 percent.
Current - For people in public media
Current (https://current.org/2011/01/kansas-budget-cuts-will-hit-pubcasters-hard/)
The Kansas Public Broadcasting Council is the coordinating / funding distribution mechanism for public TV and Radio. They have a formula (more complex than either the PBS dues or CSG formulae) that recognizes the higher cost per listener/viewer capita of serving the thinly-populated service areas for both Smoky Hills PTV and High Plains Public Radio, and the much harder time both organizations have in raising private funds.
It’s going to be tough!
Larry Holden
GM – Emeritus
Smoky Hills PTV