Underwriting of Public TV Proposed
A proposal by a Rep. W.J. Tauzin (R-La.) would require commercial stations to help underwrite public TV when broadcasters begin offering cinema-quality digital television, which could appear in 1998 in the nation’s largest cities.
The payoff for commercial stations: transferring some of their public interest requirements to public TV stations, such as having to air educational shows for children and public affairs shows.
Public broadcasters generally like Tauzin’s proposal. Commercial broadcasters are intrigued by the idea but have voiced some concerns.
The Federal Communications Commission declined to comment on Tauzin’s suggestion.
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