Public television would like your help to shore up a six-figure budget hole created by a combination of lack of state funding and a drop-off in donations.
WSEC-TV chairman Dr. Jerold Gruebel appeared on this morning’s edition of WLDS’ “What’s On Your Mind?” and talked about the nearly $277,000 budget hole in which the television state finds itself.
“We’ve been financially staggered, is the best way I can say it. We have normally been provided with grants from the State of Illinois for 30 years of our existence, and to lose in six figures- over $103,000- just hurts,” he says.
“Especially when you’re living on a shoestring trying to provide the best possible service you can have at the most efficient cost.”
Viewers can pledge during three different self-help programs that air tonight starting at 6:30.
“We are viewer-supported, so now more than ever, we need everybody to step forward. Those who have not stepped forward before, this is the perfect time. Those who have stepped forward and given us some funds, but know they can provide more, this is the time to give us some additional gifts,” says Gruebel.
Starting earlier this month, WSEC-TV began signing on later in the morning, at 10 a.m. Gruebel says that will continue for at least June and July. While the later sign-on doesn’t affect Comcast cable subscribers in Springfield, it does affect Mediacom customers in Jacksonville.
“We do not have a direct-cable hidden feed to them. We hope to someday. This could be a reason that Mediacom would like to maybe cooperate with us and invest in us,” he says.
You can donate by visiting www.networkknowledge.tv, and can also call 1-800-232-3605.
To listen to the full interview with Dr. Gruebel, click on the player below.