Just as #NewJersey doubles its commitment to funding innovative, public-interest news and information (a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by @FreePress), neighboring #Pennsylvania is walking it back.
And the reasons behind PA defunding appear to be highly controversial. 1/6
And the reasons behind PA defunding appear to be highly controversial. 1/6
https://twitter.com/Will_Bunch/status/1413462041705254920
According to the @PennCapitalStar report, seven public TV and radio stations — such as @WHYY in Philadelphia, @WQED in Pittsburgh, and @WITF in Harrisburg saw their funding ($2.75 million in state taxpayer support) eliminated. 2/6
The zeroing out of state funds comes as WITF’s @NPR-affiliated journalists pursue a lengthy investigation to hold Pennsylvania's Republican legislators accountable for undermining the 2020 election. 3/6
The defunding of @WITF seems not to be a coincidence. Rather GOP legislators are seeking to punish a reliable local outlet for doing its job of exposing their part in the "Big Lie." 4/6
Free Press board member and U-Penn prof @VWPickard, tells @StephenJ_Caruso that these cuts should be taken seriously.
“It’s glaringly obvious the market cannot support the levels of news and information that democracy requires,” Pickard says. 5/6
“It’s glaringly obvious the market cannot support the levels of news and information that democracy requires,” Pickard says. 5/6
It’s now even more apparent that public media has become a part of the expansive culture war being waged by Republicans against any and all efforts to hold them accountable.
6/ends
6/ends
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