Time for PBS, NPR To 'Stand On its Own Feet'

Although public television and radio provide quality programming, they no longer deserve federal subsidies, Rep. Mary Bono Mack says, according to a story by Paul C. Barton at The Desert Sun.

Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, voted Saturday for a government spending bill covering the remainder of fiscal year 2011 that ends federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the entity that subsidizes the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, as well as local public radio and television stations.

Congress has been appropriating $450 million a year for CPB.

“While there are many worthwhile programs on both PBS and NPR, it's time for public broadcasting to finally stand on its own two feet,” Bono Mack said in a statement.

“Federal subsidies are not warranted — nor appropriate — especially in these difficult financial times,” she said. “Digital technology has opened up a world of new possibilities for all broadcasters, and CPB needs to be smart, creative and forward looking, instead of being forever stuck in a ‘black and white' era of financing.”

She added: “Every single day, Americans make difficult choices. Many families are forced to pull the plug on their cable or satellite TV just to make ends meet. It's important for Washington to finally make those same tough choices.”

Read more here.