roundtable: Re: Save PBS: Learning to use email effectively

roundtable: Re: Save PBS: Learning to use email effectively

Re: Save PBS: Learning to use email effectively

David (david@apts.org)
Sat, 21 Jan 95 11:58:45 -0400 

Subject: Re: Save PBS:  Learning to use email effectively
To: roundtable@cni.org
From: David <david@apts.org>
Date: Sat, 21 Jan 95 11:58:45 -0400
Message-Id: <950121.115845.129@apts.org>


> I have been 
>looking for postings from APTS (Americas Public TV Stations) which is 
>part of this conference but have not seen much. 
>We (Natl Campaign for Freedom of Expression) has a lot of material on 
>CPB and am glad to follow you advice as I agree about on-line advocacy. 
>I have primarily waited to step in because APTS and ITVS are part of 
>this conference.
>
>David Mendoza
>NCFE
>202 393 2787
>dmendoza@tmn.com


Situation:  (In effect since November, 1994)

The challenges posed by the 104th Congress need to be addressed 
immediately, with focus and with force.  The funding for CPB and 
PTFP, the principal regular sources of federal funding to stations, 
are likely to be proposed for cuts or elimination early in the 
Congress, possibly as part of the legislative package  to be 
introduced by the new majority in the first 100 days.

It is expected that the character of the appropriations debate will 
be determined in the first month.  We anticipate that the already 
appropriated funds for FY 1996 and FY 1997 will be recommended for 
rescissions.


Priority legislative objectives

These legislative objectives represent the highest priority for APTS 
and will be pursued with the assistance of CPB, PBS, NPR and stations.

   o  Minimize cuts in FY 1996 and FY 1997 appropriations
   o  Appropriate funds for FY 1998 at FY 1997 levels
   o  Authorize CPB for FY 1997 - FY 2000
   o  Obtain preferential rates for public television in video dial tone
   o  Minimize cuts to PTFP for FY 1995


Principal strategy

The current legislative momentum on Capitol Hill is to cut or eliminate 
federal spending.  Public broadcasting is threatened in the general cost 
cutting strategy of the new Congress and in particular because of 
outspoken criticism of certain public broadcasting programs and a few 
misrepresented characteristics of public broadcasting by visible and 
vocal groups.  These groups have political leverage and will use the 
perception that there is broad popular support for cuts in federal 
spending to target public broadcasting.

The principal goal for this strategy is to assure that the electorate 
communicate to Congress and the Administration that public television 
is vital to their communities, provides cost-effective services and 
should not be cut.  Only with this strong expression of local support 
can the Washington, DC element of the strategy (including staff and 
consultant contacts on the Hill) be effective.

What we hear, must be seen as an essential service,associated with 
education and community service; emphasize the role as a community 
technology resource; and emphasize the role in rural areas.


Messages  (In effect since November, 1994 and basis for all work over 
the last four years)

Based on our work with stations, communities and the Hill, APTS believes 
the following observations will be useful in developing your local 
message.

The local value is likely to be based on the unique characteristics of 
public television stations:

   o  local institutions responsive to and accountable to the local 
      community;
   o  an educational resource; 
   o  using a variety of media and technologies; and 
   o  able to reach all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

In responding to new opportunities, public television stations are also 
currently meeting a variety of challenges that result from changes in 
media, technological and economic conditions:

   o  making the transition to a community based telecommunications 
      center, utlizing versatile new media for education;
   o  gaining access to multiple streams of programming for multiple 
      distribution channels;
   o  creating strategic partnerships; and
   o  responding to the increasing diversity of the population.

The message points can be adapted to reflect the contribution public 
broadcasting can make to:

   o  encouraging local solutions to national concerns;
   o  promotion and use of volunteerism;
   o  application of technology to education; and 
   o  use of federal resources at the local level.

All press contacts must also be constrained on certain points:

   o  don`t be partisan;
   o  don`t attack individuals
   o  don`t become defensive about inefficiency

The following are the broad message points which have been used by the 
national organizations in institutional promotion.

Public Television`s Key Messages

o Public television brings lifelong learning opportunities to homes, 
  schools, community centers and workplaces.

o Public television stations use many technologies and are the first 
  step in a community`s information superhighway.

o Public television stations are valuable community partners, promoting 
  local involvement in problem solving.

o Public television is a valued American institution that builds bridges 
  among cultures and celebrates diversity.

o Public television provides a strong return on the federal investment 
  through public-private partnerships.


Legislative campaign

APTS` focus is on effective advocacy of public television stations, 
services and the institution of public broadcasting.  The most effective 
tools we have are evident in this strategy, in which the value of public 
television to the nation`s communities is expressed from the local level.  
At the national level, APTS has a legislative campaign center and 
database in place.  On-line: 
>info@apts.org<

o APTS web pages. APTS now has a site on the world wide web. It includes 
information about APTS itself--mission, staff, activities--as well as 
copies of some of our fact sheets and position papers. It also has 
information from the lay alert, including background, instructions and 
sample letters. Many stations have asked to link to the alert so that 
folks accessing their own pages will be able to view it.

If you have access to a web browser, point it to 
http://www.universe.digex.net/~apts

When you write a letter to a member of Congress

The address for each congressman and each senator is the same.  Write 
the letter long hand, on post cards, in a Christmas card, or on a word 
processor.  The most important aspect of a each letter is that it be 
sincere and authentic.

The Honorable_______
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman or Congresswoman:
or 
Dear Mr. Speaker: (for letters to Speaker Gingrich)

The Honorable_______
U.S. Senate
Washington, D C 20510
======================================
Dear Senator:
The Honorable ...
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC  20510

Dear Senator...:

Now that you have had time to catch your breath, please accept this 
expression of congratulations from all of us at  ...  on your election 
to another term in the U. S. Senate.  Your ongoing support and 
friendship to public television is something that we value greatly.  
In this new political environment, I am counting on you to help educate 
your colleagues who are less than supportive of America`s most 
far-reaching educational institution, public broadcasting.

As America begins to expand an information highway for community access, 
the services that are offered or planned by public television are the 
most likely to offer life-long leraning.  Forty years of history have 
shown us that it is not possible for commercial media interests to 
sustain an interest in the types of educational programming public 
television produces, if they must focus on their bottom line.  

The investment in public television over the years has allowed us to 
develop, as a nation, a truly worthwhile educational resource.  Let`s 
not lose this application of technology for our education and future, 
just as we are talking about that very need.

Again, congratulations on your election.  I look forward to working 
with you even more closely in the next few years as you address the 
many challenges facing this country.  If there is anything I can do 
to assist you, please don`t hesitate to contact me.


				Sincerely,

David Brugger, America's Public Television Stations, Washington, DC
david@apts.org

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