Noncommercial Stations Defend Government Funding As Crucial

The Association of Public Television Stations said that while government funding may only be about 15% of noncommercial TV stations' budgets, it is a crucial 15%.

"[T]hat 15 percent is the most important funding in their budgets because stations use this funding to leverage independent fundraising and support important areas that often aren't covered by foundation funding, corporate underwriting and other revenue sources," Thompson said. She said they were particularly important to local stations in "the most underserved communities" during the current recession.