Would pubcasting funding cutback affect Los Angeles music scene?

The Los Angeles music community will lose an important ally if  Republicans on the Hill have their way and cut back or zero out pubcasting support, reports LA Weekly. NPR affiliate KCRW in Santa Monica, Calif., is a longtime source to launch new bands. “What’s at stake locally is no less than KCRW’s ability to provide its current musical programming — credited by sources across the industry for breaking L.A. bands and taking indie acts to national prominence.” KCRW librarian Eric J. Lawrence estimates that 20 percent of its programming is devoted to local bands. But rights for all of that music are covered by a license negotiated and paid for by CPB. If that was zeroed out, KCRW g.m. Jennifer Ferro says, KCRW would lose its licensing deal, endangering up to half its programming.