AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: Congress Votes to Defund Public Media
Keleigh Arrington: N-P-R and P-B-S will have one-point-one billion dollars cut from their budget. St. Lawrence
County’s N-P-R station’s manager Mitch Teich says he’s concerned with the government’s agenda.
NCPR Station Manager Mitch Teich: When we start to see the power of one part of the government erode, it’s really concerning for those of us who’s basically trying to do our jobs.”
Keleigh Arrington: These cuts could lead to layoffs, program changes, and lesser coverage. Syracuse high schooler
Hailey Paul shares why local news matters.
Syracuse high schooler Hailey Paul: Might even see people from your community, like getting interviewed and stuff like that, seeing their live opinions on what’s going on, and it, like, brings you closer .”
Keleigh Arrington: Local Johnny Harrington doesn’t agree with the government’s left-winged claims against N-P-R and P-
B-S.
Syracuse local- John Harrington: They report the news and don’t offer any slanted opinion.
Keleigh Arrington, N-C-C News.
Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — Congress advances a bill that could cut federal funding for NPR, PBS, and their member stations, according to the Associated Press.
Trump’s administration is pushing a bill to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of the $9.4 billion rescission package. The Senate approved the bill Thursday morning, and the House is left to make the final decision, according to the Associated Press.
North Country Public Radio is an NPR station located in St. Lawrence County- the primary source for its local news.
NCPR Station Manager Mitch Teich said, “We represent not only the only radio station that they can hear, but the only source they have for local news, timely weather and emergency information as well.”
Additionally, the budget cut could result in job layoffs, free programming, and less community coverage. Syracuse local Tomas Trathen worries for the journalists who provide local perspectives.
“These reporters are somewhat like family, you know what I’m saying? They go talk to people. I doubt very much the outsiders would care less,” said Trathen.
Republicans have previously attempted to defund public media, including efforts in 1994 and 2011 that failed to advance, according to NPR reporting. However, Congress claims its reason to eliminate funds is due to a left-wing ideology spread across both organizations.
Teich said, “There’s somebody reading over stories as they’re produced to make sure that the people and the issues that are being covered are treated fairly and honestly.”
If passed, the bill will go to the President for approval. The House is expected to make a final vote by Friday, according to the Associated Press.
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