Vote Expected on CPB Funding Cuts

New York, NY —

The U.S. House of Repersentatives may vote as early as today on a bill that would cut at least $100 million in funding for public television and radio stations nationwide. New York's public broadcasters say the smaller stations and lesser-known programs would be hardest hit.

REPORTER: The proposed cuts represent a quarter of the budget for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds local stations. Norm Silverstein, head of the New York Public Television Association says the possible cuts would not affect popular shows like the Antiques Roadshow and Nova, but would jeopardize educational programs such as courses to help viewers prepare for high-school equivalency exams.

ROSENSTEIN: Those are the kinds of things you really can't go on the air and ask people to become members for. But they are the kinds of services that can really help strengthen your community and frankly that's what's at risk

REPORTER: Republican lawmakers have said the cuts are not aimed at punishing public stations but instead reflect the reality of preparing a budget during times of deficits. The senate is also considering a version of the bill.

Last year WNYC received $2 million, or about seven percent of its operating budget, from the CPB.