[PenDems (187)] Action Alert: Help To Save South Dakota Public Broadcasting

For your urgent consideration I am forwarding the following message.

Jeff Nelsen, chair

Pennington County Democratic Party

 

Please help us to preserve public broadcasting in South Dakota!  Write to your legislators – ALL of them – NOW!!

 

Vicky Wicks, frequent contributor to SD Public Radio, writes:

 

Dear Friends: My sister sent me this, and since I have a deep and abiding connection with SDPB, I thought I'd forward it and ask you to do likewise, if you're so inclined. Even before working for SDPB, I listened to public radio and watched public TV, and as a crime victims' assistant and then print journalist, I relied on online recordings of legislative hearings so I could hear for myself who testified and what witnesses and legislators had to say.

 

The legislature tried to cut half a million dollars from SDPB a few years ago, and the public outcry was strong and loud. Please consider contacting legislators and letting them know how you feel about this. Thanks--Vicky

 

From SDPB:

 

 

Friends, We understand times are tough, but it is in tough times that citizens of South Dakota take stock of all that is important in their lives. Even during the past year of economic crisis, THOUSANDS of South Dakotans continued to support programming on SDPB. And with the list of valuable services SDPB provides, it's no wonder. But in the final days of the legislative session it appears that South Dakota Public Broadcasting is under threat of a MAJOR FUNDING CUT, upwards of a half-million dollars. That equals about a 12% cut in state funding. If you value South Dakota Public Broadcasting, NOW IS THE TIME to contact your legislator and make your sentiments known. Click here to find your legislator’s contact information. The state of South Dakota provides funding for SDPB's statewide broadcast transmission system and infrastructure which is used to broadcast Television and Radio programming and web stream content online. State funds pay the electric bills, purchases and maintains broadcast equipment, pays salaries of SDPB employees and other costs. Money donated to SDPB, including money pledged during membership drives, is used to pay for programs and program-related services. Like other state agencies, we have been cognizant of the budget issues and have been good stewards of your (and our) money. With significant cuts to our state funding SDPB’s ability to deliver programming to a statewide audience is critically hampered. SDPB manages a vital, cost-effective communications network reaching the entire state. The network is a unique source for educational opportunities, available to all citizens. SDPB is also used for critical statewide communications – including the Emergency Alert System, Amber Alerts and Law Enforcement. No other broadcast service provides the kind of access that SDPB does to the election and legislative process, comprehensive coverage of South Dakota High School fine arts, academic and sports events, coverage of the Arts, and educational programming for young and old alike. Think of the times you have enjoyed a program on SDPB, utilized an online resource from SDPB.org, learned something new at an SDPB outreach event... then pick up the phone or send an email to your state representatives in Pierre. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT! Sincerely, Julie Andersen Executive Director, SDPB