Spectrum Auction
Former NJ governor asks state to support public TV after spectrum auction win
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It’s unclear how state policymakers intend to use $332M in proceeds, and whether funds will be reinvested in NJTV.
Current (https://current.org/category/system-policy/page/49/)
It’s unclear how state policymakers intend to use $332M in proceeds, and whether funds will be reinvested in NJTV.
Costs of equipment replacement are projected to reach $256 million by 2019, as aging transmitters reach their end of life.
Pubcasters were spared from providing certain details about board members and excluded from new rules governing on-air fundraising for other nonprofits.
An error disqualified the California station from the auction.
The House trimmed Vermont PBS’ line item to just $1.
Check out our summary of how the spectrum auction appears to be playing out for public media.
Station President James Baum said viewers in the stations’ coverage area will not lose PBS service due to overlap from other broadcasters.
The big sums will help to expand services, pay off debts and enable technical upgrades.
The Los Angeles station will restructure its debt and set up an investment fund to support service expansions.
In fiscal year 2017, the state provided $8.2 million of Maryland Public Television’s $31.5 million budget.
“This is a transformative event in the history of both our organizations,” said APTS President Pat Butler.
It’s unclear if Gov. Justice, who expressed support for maintaining full funding to WVPB, will sign the bill.
A Republican lawmaker accused CPB having an “agenda” by supporting three films.
Jacqui Helbert filed a lawsuit over her dismissal.
Seventeen House Republicans are among 166 members of Congress advocating for CPB’s appropriation.
The cut comes after West Virginia’s governor restored funding in his proposal.
The FCC will initially cover 90 percent of station expenses, but some stations may have to carry forward a portion of costs.
The rule, scheduled for an April 20 vote, would allow public stations to seek waivers if they choose to fundraise for other nonprofits.
Board members called Howard Husock an “embarrassment.”
The board also approved a $323.9 million budget proposal for FY18 with no member dues increase.