ARLINGTON, Va. — PBS’s proposed budget for fiscal 2016 contains a 2.5 percent hike in dues for member stations.
The PBS Board voted to send the draft budget to stations for comment during its Tuesday meeting at headquarters.
Finance Committee Chair Molly Broad provided directors with a short overview of the proposal. Member assessments would total $192.4 million next year, up from $185.5 million in FY15.
If approved, the proposed assessment increase will go toward general audience programming, Broad said.
Also for FY16, $3.6 million will support content, member services and technology; board-designated funds of $3.3 million go toward technology infrastructure; and $4.6 million in long-term portfolio investment returns will be transferred to the operating budget.
The board will vote to approve the draft at its June meeting, after member stations have commented.
Broad also reported that PBS earned more net income through February than anticipated due to digital sponsorship and PBSd, which handles Downton Abbey distribution deals.
Related stories from Current: