Quick Takes
PBS releases research showing public opposition to pubcasting cuts
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PBS-commissioned research shows “overwhelming public opposition” to proposals to eliminate public broadcasting government funding, the network said in a statement today (March 1). Two firms on opposite ends of the political spectrum did the polling: Hart Research Associates, which has worked for several major Democratic organizations, and American Viewpoint, whose clients have included the Bush-Cheney campaign and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.In the telephone polling of 804 registered voters, a total of 79 percent think PBS should get “the same amount of government funding” or “more government funding” than it currently does. Fifty-six percent said they would be concerned “a great deal” if PBS was forced to significantly cut back on children’s educational shows.Along political lines, 83 percent of Democratic respondents, 69 percent of independents and 56 percent of Republicans opposed cuts to pubcasting.Calls were made Feb. 11-13, with an error margin of +/- 3.5 percent.