Quick Takes
Omnibus bill bumps up FY17 funds for Ready To Learn and arts endowments
Votes are expected before the end of the week.
Development
Stations shape fundraising pleas amid funding threat, potential auction windfalls
Public television’s spring fundraising rolled out in a heated high-stakes environment for clearly communicating a case for support.
System/Policy
Maryland bill would make up any cuts to state TV network’s federal funding
In fiscal year 2017, the state provided $8.2 million of Maryland Public Television’s $31.5 million budget.
CPB funding
Independent filmmakers group stands up to Capitol Hill criticism
A Republican lawmaker accused CPB having an “agenda” by supporting three films.
Federal funding
More members of Congress sign on to public broadcasting support letter
Seventeen House Republicans are among 166 members of Congress advocating for CPB’s appropriation.
Federal funding
Arts unions protest Trump budget cuts in letter to Congress
“Ending federal support for the NEA, NEH, or CPB would be a radical, unprecedented action,” the letter said.
System/Policy
CPB board members excoriate colleague for publicly backing defunding
Board members called Howard Husock an “embarrassment.”
System/Policy
PBS Board approves national promotion of Passport premium
The board also approved a $323.9 million budget proposal for FY18 with no member dues increase.
System/Policy
CPB president visits Congress to defend threatened funding request
The appearance was Pat Harrison’s first before the House subcommittee in 10 years.