BudgetOK House

Bill To Defund OETA Is Defeated in House

OETA bill defeated in state House

BY RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer

Thursday, March 14, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY — Big Bird lives!

An attempt to ultimately end direct state support of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority failed 57-41 in the state House of Representatives on Thursday, a vote that still leaves the 60-year-old network’s future somewhat in doubt.

In truth, the latest attempt to defund OETA would have endangered Big Bird less than programs such as Oklahoma’s only statewide newscast and other local programming. OETA received $3.8 million in appropriations this fiscal year, or about 40 percent of its operating budget.

“As a broadcaster, I can tell you the first thing that is cut is local programming,” said Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, who operates several radio stations in western Oklahoma.

“A vote to defund OETA will be it’s death toll,” Wright said.

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