----------------------------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,