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WPSU to air second state budget program Friday

WPSU-TV and its seven public television colleagues statewide will broadcast a second "Inside the Budget Battle" program focusing on the FY10 Pennsylvania state budget. Airing at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 17, this installment will feature Republican Senator Jake Corman of Centre County and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Democratic Representative Kathy Manderino of Philadelphia, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and chair of the House Sub-Committee on Health and Human Services.

Moderated by Harrisburg affiliate WITF-TV’s "Smart Talk" host Nell McCormack Abom, the show will provide a statewide platform for the participants to offer their unique insights into one of the most contested budget proposals in decades. Corman and Manderino will appear on the set at the same time, responding to questions posed by Abom.

The pre-recorded, commercial-free, hour-long program will air exclusively on WPSU in State College, WITF in Harrisburg, WLVT in Allentown, WQLN in Erie, WHYY in Philadelphia, WYBE in Philadelphia, WQED in Pittsburgh, and WVIA in Scranton. The original "Inside the Budget Battle" program, which aired on Pennsylvania’s Public Television stations on June 24, featured Governor Ed Rendell and Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati.

The production and statewide broadcast of "Inside the Budget Battle" showcases the distinctive products and services afforded both the public and our lawmakers through Pennsylvania Public Television stations.

“These programs highlight the unique capability of Pennsylvania’s public television stations at a critical moment for the commonwealth," said WITF President and CEO Kathleen Pavelko. "It is ironic that this is also the budget year in which Pennsylvania’s public television stations are threatened with the total elimination of state funding for the first time in the 40-year history of public television in Pennsylvania.”

WPSU serves central Pennsylvania with programming, educational services and community outreach. Its public media services produce, acquire and distribute programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of its central Pennsylvania audience.

Last Updated July 16, 2009