#aptsthesummit Rick Johnson General Manager WGCU Fort Myers, FL

The Florida Story

Florida Public Broadcasting Service is a non- profit association of Florida’s public television and public radio stations. Our mission is to strengthen the community, empower families and educate the public through public media and community outreach.

Florida CSG History

Three Key Issues…. What is the State’s return on its investment? Why not a State Network vs. the existing model? What is the impact of the loss of State funding?

Return On Investment $1 Invested = $10.59 in Services Provided $29.3 mil – Educational Programming $12.8 mil – Outreach and Operations $14.1 mil – Florida Knowledge Network $15.7 mil – The Florida Channel

State Network vs. Local Stations State funding for existing State Networks ranges between $4.5 to $20 million compared to $6.8 million in Florida support. Florida is an diverse and populous state. One size does not fit all. What flies in South Beach may flop in Sopchoppy. Local service means better membership and corporate support. Huge capital investment in interconnection technology. Nine state college/university licensees = significant political cost in eliminating stations. Loss of millions of dollars in federal and foundation grants that support educational initiatives which benefit the state.

Impact Loss or severe reduction of educational outreach services in over half the counties in the state. Station staff RIFs ranging from percent. Loss of Florida Channel carriage in half of markets. Threatens Public Radio Emergency Management network infrastructure and State EOC’s ability to communicate with public. Reduces station’s ability to collaborate with community partners to generate funding and provides services ranging from Early Learning Coalitions to Elder Abuse prevention.

Results FY ‘13 - Partial TV funding ($3.9 mil) restored tied to Martha Speaks Reading Buddies demonstration project (1,100 students, 200 teachers). FY ‘14 - TV funding maintained. Radio funding restored ($1.3 mil) + non-recurring $2.6 mil in Radio infrastructure improvements FY ‘15 – TV and Radio funding maintained + $450K in matching grants and $1 mil in support of Florida PBS LearningMedia initiative FY ‘16 – Governor’s budget recommendation maintains TV and Radio funding + $1 mil for FPBSLM + $1.6 mil in matching grants

The Florida Story

The End