----------------------------Original message----------------------------
 
 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 1995 21:50:20 -0700
From: Ned Bobkoff <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list THEATRE <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: NPR/PBS ACTION ALERT!
 
                                  ACTION ALERT
 
        The following memo was received from NAMAC.
 
        This is nothing less than an attempt to stifle the exercise
        of free and open discussion. PLEASE PASS IT ON.....
 
        The House Appropriations Committee has scheduled a recission
        hearing for the Coropration for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for
        this Thursday, January 19. Recission is a reduction in already
        appropriated funds. We understand that the Committee hope to
        finalize a bill by the end of January. It is unclear whether the
        focus will be entirely on FY 1995 funding or if FY 1996 and 1997
        funding will also be discussed.
 
        All interested parties should increase their efforts to generate
        mail, faxes and e-mail to their Members of Concgress. Use the
        sample letter below as a template for your correspondence. A list
        follows os states whose representative serve on the House
        Appropriations Committee:
 
                                               PHONE          FAX
 
        *John Porter (R-IL) Chair          202/225-4835   202/225-0157
        *C.W. Bill Young (R-FL)                   -5961          -9764
        *Henry Bonbilla (R-TX)                    -4511          -2237
        Ernest Jim Istook (R-OK)                  -2132          -3792
        Dan Miller (R-FL)
        Jay Dickey (R-AR)                         -3772          -8646
        *Frank Riggs (R-CA)                       -3311
        Roger Wicker (R-MS)
        David Obey (D-WI                          -3365          -
        Louis Stockes (D-OH)                      -7032          -1339
        Steny Hoyer (D-MD)                        -4131          -4300
        Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)                       -4965          -8259
        Nita Lowey (D-NY)                         -6506
 
        * moderate republicans especially need to hear from their conti-
        tuencies.
 
        For additional phone numbers call: Congressional Information at
        202/224-3121
 
                       SAMPLE LETTER TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
 
        January     1995
 
        Honorable (name of Representative or Senator)
        House of Representatives OR U.S.Senate
        Office address (not necessary if you don't know it)
        Washington, DC 20515
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Dear Congressman/woman OR Senator___________
 
        I am writing to express my concern about the future of Public
        broadcasting in our nation. This vital and valuable entity has
        served us for nearly three decades, with a rich and diverse array
        of programming --education, culture, public affairs--that is free
        from the commericalism that is so pervasive onnetwork and cable
        television.
 
        The elimination (or even cutback) of federal support for the
        Corporation for Public Broadcasting will destroy intelligent
        alternatives like local public stations, PBS, NPR, whose primary
        purpose is to provide programs, not sell products. Where else can
        we find Sesame Street, nature programs, how-to-shows, presenta-
        tions of cultural excellence and throught provoking perspectives
        like the American Experience?
 
        Public television and radio has been a mainstay in my life
        (family) for a long time, and of the use of my tax dollars, this
        is one of the very few from which I reap direct daily benefit.
        Our nation's leaders have a moral obligation to maintain this
        natural resource.
 
        As a member of your constituency, I insist that you keep public
        broadcasting public by the continued funding of the Corporation
        for Public Broadcasting.
 
        Thank you for representing your community in Congress, and for
        your attnetion on this pressing issue. I look forward to your
        reply on this manner.
 
        Sincerely,