William R. Richardson: “this bill indiscriminately cuts programs of great importance to millions of elderly, poor, and young Americans. This…”

“this bill indiscriminately cuts programs of great importance to millions of elderly, poor, and young Americans. This bill reduces funding for important services like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Now we are considering an amendment which further cuts funding for CPB. CPB plays an important role in educating our young and keeping a vast part of our society informed. This bill, already cutting CPB's funding by 15 percent, will have direct and negative consequences for children, rural areas, and minorities. This amendment will devastate public broadcasting. My colleagues on the other side argue that CPB can be privatized, that the proliferation of cable has surpassed public television, or that CPB can survive through advertising, or from the profits from Barney and Sesame Street. CPB cannot be privatized because there is nothing to privatize. CPB has no assets, it is not a business. CPB is a grant making organization whose constituents are not-for-profit TV or radio stations. Cable does not replace public broadcasting. Ninety-nine percent of Americans have access to public broadcasting. Only about 60 percent of Americans receive cable programming. Public broadcasting is free and all Americans have access. Cable is expensive and it does not serve all homes. By law public broadcasters are prohibited from advertising. Public broadcasters cannot sell air time for products or services.”