Political Quotes

“today I would like to reiterate my support for public broadcasting because of the important educational role it plays in our society. We invest very little and we get a lot in return. Public broadcasting does not rely solely, or even mostly, on Government support. Only 14 percent of its budget comes from Congress, approximately $1.09 per person. The rest of its funding comes from 5 million Americans and hundreds of corporations who understand the importance of quality commercial-free educational broadcasting. Public broadcasting is no longer just MacNeil/Lehrer, ``All Things Considered,'' ``Sesame Street,'' and the Civil War series. I have been particularly impressed with the way public broadcasting is using new technology for education. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, can earn their high school or college degree through courses shown on public television. At 60 colleges--and that number is growing--students can earn a 2-year degree through PBS telecourses. Millions of teachers use television's best programs, like Ken Burns' remarkable Civil War series, in the classroom. Many of these programs are now available to educators on laser disk for interactive learning. Many public broadcasting stations are currently on the Internet, along with PBS, NPR, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”