Markey praises Obama budget for protecting public broadcasting

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) praised President Obama on Monday for presenting a budget proposal that preserves public broadcasting, despite a call by House Republicans to stop government funding to TV and radio stations. 

“The President’s budget wisely increases funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps to support the production of high quality, informative and educational programming produced by locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations reaching virtually every household in our country," Markey said in a statement. 

"In a media landscape cluttered with lowest-common denominator content, CPB creates an oasis where Big Bird and friends can thrive, children can access educational shows that reinforce classroom lessons and Americans around the country can find the top-caliber programming that expands their knowledge while entertaining and informing their everyday lives.”

Members of the Republican Study Committee released a proposal last month to trim $2.5 trillion from the budget over 10 years. Funding for public broadcasting was among the budget items proposed for steep cuts.