Florida Lawmakers Move To Fund "Their" TV Channel
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami-NSF) - If you like to watch Florida legislators at work, there's only one TV channel where you can do that, and Tuesday, after a budget threat, it appears money has been added to the new Florida budget to keep that service alive. Considering the stars, it's really not a surprise.
A few weeks ago, Florida Channel, operated by the PBS station in Tallahassee, was facing dire budget proposals in the House and Senate. The House had suggested a budget cut of 30 percent and the Senate wanted a 20 percent reduction.
Florida Channel Executive Director Beth Switzer said these cuts would force the channel, which broadcasts legislative hearings, floor debates and other state government meetings, to lay off employees and reduce coverage. But the latest budget offer from the House Tuesday completely restored Florida Channel's funding to $1.8 million next fiscal year, up from $1.3 million in the previous agreement.
Last year the Florida Channel also escaped funding cuts. The state-funded Florida Channel is especially beloved by lobbyists, lawmakers and news reporters, who heavily rely on its videos of state proceedings to do their jobs.
