As a public-radio listener, I would be sympathetic to the calls for listeners to help stations with recessionary revenue shortfalls if they were decoupled from taxpayer subsidy. Indeed, I am a regular giver to WCPE-FM, a classical station that is entirely privately funded. But from my perspective, the case gets steadily weaker because of news like this, regarding the financial problems at WUNC-FM in the Triangle:
The station also may benefit from a proposal working its way through the federal government to inject $300 million into the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the organization that grants funds to member National Public Radio stations. It provides about 7 percent of WUNC’s budget.
Great, another bailout. So I’m being compelled to contribute, however modestly, to help close the station’s deficit. I prefer to be asked nicely.
