State Assembly Votes Today On Blocking New Jersey Network TV Management Deal

The NEW JERSEY State Senate is set to vote TODAY (6/27) on a resolution that would block the deal to give PBS affiliate WNET (TV)/NEWARK-NEW YORK's PUBLIC MEDIA NJ operational control of the state's four NEW JERSEY NETWORK television stations, but the bill would not block the transfer of operations of the state's radio outlets to NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO and WHYY-F/PHILADELPHIA.

The spinoff of operations (but not the licenses) of the stations has been championed by Governor CHRIS CHRISTIE, who says the state cannot afford to be in the broadcasting business.  The Assembly, voting along party lines, approved the resolution on THURSDAY, sending the issue to the Senate; the transfer is due to go into effect FRIDAY (7/1), and if the resolution is approved by the Senate, the network may go dark for lack of funding.

Public Radio, TV In Kansas Governor's Crosshairs

Meanwhile, KANSAS is joining the list of states where public broadcasting funding is being targeted for elimination.  Governor SAM BROWNBACK said he will ask next year's legislature to eliminate state funding of public radio and television, reports the WICHITA EAGLE.  Unable to cut the public broadcasting budget 100% this year, BROWNBACK left $1.5 million in operating grants in the budget that takes effect FRIDAY (7/1) but plans to eliminate that funding in next year's budget.

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