Lively hearing on bill to end state funding for Prairie Public draws divided testimony

Representative Joran Johnson opened the hearing on House Bill 12-55, which would bar the use of public funds to support public broadcasting in North Dakota. "Prairie public will continue to exist without tax payer dollars," Johnson told the committee, arguing taxpayers should not be required to fund programming that can be supported by donations, membership and other revenue sources.

Johnson said state funding is unnecessary and cited examples he said illustrate Prairie Public's ability to attract private support, including an investigation by the station into buying a bar and the creation of an entity he identified in the secretary of state's records as "PPB Ventures LLC." He cited Prairie Public financial figures in the hearing packet, saying the organization had reserves of about $16,000,000 and suggesting the broadcaster can adapt without the state's support.

John Harris, president and CEO of Prairie Public Broadcasting, urged the committee to reject the bill. He said state funding for many…