Proposed Cuts Would Force Reduction in Service and Programs

February 10, 2015 PBS Wisconsin Leave a Comment

A message from the chairs of the Wisconsin Public Radio Association and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television:

As supporters of Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio we want to provide an update on the developing situation related to the biennial budget proposal announced on February 3, 2015.

The budget proposal includes an approximately 34% cut to the state portion of the Educational Communications Board (ECB) who, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, operate WPR and WPT. The proposed cuts are significant and they would force a reduction of service to the people of Wisconsin.

The gap that would be created by these unprecedented cuts could not be covered through increased fundraising alone, despite our record of funding success and an assertive year-round fundraising program. And certainly, any substantial fundraising increase of this size would take time to successfully implement, while the budget cuts being proposed would take effect July 1.

The WPR and WPT service that you rely on is based on a thoughtful balance of public and private support. This budget proposal upsets that balance and, therefore, threatens the programs and services you have come to rely on.

WPR and WPT belong to you and you should have a voice in what happens to them. If you would like your voice to be heard, contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel about state funding for WPT and WPR, and the role they play in your community. Find contact information for your legislators here.

Thank you for your continued support. WPR and WPT are working closely with our partners at the ECB and the University of Wisconsin-Extension to monitor the budget news as it develops and we’ll keep you informed. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Linda Prehn
President, Friends of Wisconsin Public Television

Dean Dietrich
President, Wisconsin Public Radio Association

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Alyssa Beno

I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.

Andrew Carlson

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Ian Lewitz

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Inga Witscher

Inga Witscher is a passionate Wisconsin dairy farmer, cheesemaker and host of PBS Wisconsin’s Around the Farm Table.

Luke Zahm

Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for discovering the stories behind the food we eat as host of Wisconsin Foodie.

Marci Glaus

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Mike Devine

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Mark Riechers

Mark is a digital content editor for PBS Wisconsin. A photographer, radio producer and writer, he has experience telling stories from everything from a history of Milwaukee beer ads to processing death through game development.

Pete Schwaba

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

Samantha Nash

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Sigrid Peterson

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Tawny Morrison

As the education communications specialist for PBS Wisconsin Education, I get to support teachers by sharing incredible education resources with them. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own – with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym.