Emily Cassil
There are many different opinions regarding how television should be funded. Of course, most television networks are owned by 6 large conglomerates. Nonetheless, as John Vivian explains in his book, there are still several options for television/media funding. These include:
- community funding
- nonprofits
- co-ops
- family ownership
- government funding
Each of these has both benefits and drawbacks. In this post, however, I will focus on the debate surrounding government funding of television.
The government (along with tax payer dollars) has, for many years, funded some television programs through the CPB, or the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, which gives money to well known television entertainment programs such as PBS and other public television networks. President Trump, in his 2017-2018 budget cut proposal, suggested cutting the CPB off from all future government funding, as it has been receiving approximately $445 billion in recent years. Although this has not passed, Congress did recently discuss a bill that would cut all funding from the CPB by 2019.
People’s opinions vary widely on this matter. Some adamantly support the bill, such as Mike Gonzales, columnist for the Denver Post. He goes as far as quoting Thomas Jefferson in his article, who once said that “to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagations of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.” On the other hand, some institutions, such as Americans for the Arts, vehemently oppose it. Their website states, “All public broadcasting stations—large and small, urban and rural—are distinctive voices in their community that create informative and engaging programming for their audiences.” In other words, as Vivian explains, those opposed to the bill view public broadcasting as “a public good” and believe, therefore, that “public policy should be supportive.”
Sources:
Media and Entertainment 
Very good job on this post. I didn’t know much about this budget cut but after reading this short piece, I am not in favor of it. As with other things that our current president does, I am always trying to figure out what he means by it and how does it affect the country as a whole. Additionally, I would encourage you to utilize more course concepts and theories that we learned in class. Otherwise, great job!
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I like how you explored television entertainment in a unique way. You connected it to something you are interested and something that is certainly relevant today! Great job, Emily 🙂
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