By Maya Betti, News Intern
Northfield Public Broadcasting (NPB) was not included in the final public media funding package passed during the Minnesota Legislature’s June 9 one-day special session.
Station Manager Sam Temple says public access television funding — which supports NPB — was part of discussions up until the final hours of the session, but was ultimately left out as lawmakers narrowed the budget.
“You know, it was there until the very end, but it was just that we reached a certain point where things had to get cut to make it into the budget, and we weren’t on that list,” – Sam Temple, Station Manager of Northfied Public Broadcasting, KYMN News Interview
For now, NPB and other stations are regrouping. Temple says he and his colleagues statewide are exploring next steps, including possible legislation next session or applying for grants through different channels.
The good news is that Temple and his team have found that there is nearly universal support for public television and local public media from community to community.
However, every path comes with its own challenges.
“You go one way, and then you’re competing with NPR and the Minnesota zoo and all these other arts and culture organizations. For funds, you go this other way, and then you’re going to be going up against the broadband companies. So no matter what, you know, the money has to come from somewhere, and usually we’re not the only ones asking,” – Sam Temple, Station Manager of Northfied Public Broadcasting, KYMN News Interview
Picture by Logan Wells/KYMN News
In the meantime, Temple says the station’s focus will remain on producing quality local content and continuing to serve the Northfield community.
“The best way we can do it is is, is just by being active in our communities, doing the work, showing the value of what we’re doing, and the more public buy in we get. You know, we’re a democracy, so hopefully that’s reflected in in our elected leaders and their their priorities,” – Sam Temple, Station Manager of Northfied Public Broadcasting, KYMN News Interview
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