(Bismarck, ND) — A potential move to eliminate state funding for Prairie Public Broadcasting is being considered by North Dakota lawmakers. Officials say House Bill 1255 — which was passed last week — would eliminate the broadcaster’s current one-point-two-million dollars in annual funding. The bill’s backers argue that the nonprofit group already enjoys multiple, non-state revenue sources to fund operations. Critics, meanwhile, counter that the proposal would negatively affect the broadcaster’s ability to offer news and educational content — as well as emergency alerts — in areas where commercial media sources are lacking. Lawmakers will consider the bill’s merits later this month.
