Thank you for your coverage of the complicated issue of federal funding for public broadcasting (“Maine Public could lose $5 million through proposed federal clawback”) . The U.S. Senate is expected to act on the Rescission Bill this week.

As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Susan Collins plays an extremely important role in this process.

What the July 12 article didn’t say is that Sen. Collins is a supporter of public broadcasting stations nationally and for Maine Public. She has been recognized by America’s public television stations as a Champion of Public Television. She secured a $3.4 million federal grant for Maine Public to add seven rural radio signals. And, earlier this year, when Maine Public received a letter terminating that grant, Sen. Collins personally intervened to restore the funding.

Public broadcasters nationwide are urging their audiences to call their senators about the rescission proposal. I tell Maine supporters that, when they call our two senators, they should start by thanking them for their long history of support for public media.

Rick Schneider
President and CEO, Maine Public
Portland