OLYMPIA — Representatives Chris Stearns (D-Auburn) and Liz Berry (D-Queen Anne) have introduced House Bill 2579 to help fund public broadcasting in Washington as federal funding cuts threaten the future of local radio and tv stations and programming.
“These local stations are the lifeblood of rural communities,” said Rep. Stearns. “Allowing them to go under would be devastating for residents who depend on local news to learn about emergencies and essential information. These local stations hold credibility with residents in a way that larger outlets don’t. They offer programming uniquely tailored to a unique audience. They strengthen our communities and contribute to the vitality of our state. We can’t lose them.”
“Music is healing and brings people together. My mental, emotional, and spiritual health depends on the music and artists that stations like KEXP broadcast,” Stearns added. “It’s what we need, more than ever, in these difficult times.”
The bill would establish a public media broadcaster program to award funds to local outlets and a digital equity program to engage and educate communities for coordination of existing resources.
It would be funded through a 20 cent/month surcharge on cell phone lines with a goal of raising $16M annually to disperse to local broadcast outlets through awards and grants.
Local broadcast stations like KEXP in Seattle, KSPS in Spokane, and KDNA in Yakima rely partly on fundraising drives to sustain their programming, but until recently some of their budget had been filled through federal funding. Losing that funding could cause some outlets to suspend programming or even shutter permanently.
“I am proud to represent a district that is home to public radio, beloved by my constituents who rely on local news sources they can count on to tell the truth and shine a light on government. Public radio enriches our lives and educates us all, but with federal funding cuts, their work is at risk. We can’t let that happen,” said Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle).
HB 2579 will be heard in the House Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee on Friday, January 30. Tune in at www.tvw.org.