TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas public broadcasters are already struggling with budget problems, even before the Legislature considers again reducing their funding.
Public broadcasting currently receives about $1.5 million from the state, which could be reduced to about $1 million this year.
Last year, Gov. Sam Brownback tried to eliminate all public broadcasting funding. But some lawmakers resisted and approved smaller cuts. This year, the governor is again seeking to reduce state funding, or change the funding source to state lottery proceeds.
The Kansas City Star reports managers of some public stations have cut staff, reduced programming or reduced their hours on air.
Critics say they don’t believe general fund money should be used to support public broadcasting. Supporters say the stations are especially important in rural areas where media choices are limited.
