Maine lawmakers hear case to boost funding for statewide emergency broadcast network

Chair Representative Kelly Murphy opened the committee’s public hearing on LD 692, “An Act to Increase Support for Statewide Emergency Broadcast Messaging,” after Senator Theresa Perce introduced the measure on behalf of the Senate majority. The bill would increase the state appropriation for Maine Public’s broadcast transmission infrastructure by $350,000, from about $1,650,000 to $2,000,000 annually.

Senator Theresa Perce, sponsor and Senate majority leader, told the committee the measure is meant to sustain Maine’s statewide emergency alert capabilities. “During viral pandemics, natural disasters, and unforeseen public safety emergencies, we rely on the statewide nature and value of Maine Public Broadcasting System to disseminate timely and accurate information,” Perce said, noting the network’s role in weather and power-restoration updates.

The bill’s principal witness, identified in testimony as a representative of Maine Public (Mr. Schneider), described the transmission network’s technical footprint and the budget pressures driving the request. “We are the only broadcast service that covers the whole state, so we are the best way that authorities can communicate statewide on short notice,” he said. He told the committee the network includes nearly 30 transmitter sites, translators and microwave links required to be on the air under state law (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20‑A §852), and that the state appropriation is intended to meet the cost of delivering broadcast and emergency-alert services and maintaining that network.

Schneider gave the committee specific figures showing a growing gap between state support and operating costs. He said the appropriation covered roughly half of Maine Public’s technical expenses in FY2024, with state funding at about $1,600,000 and technical expenses near $3,200,000. He also said recent television transmitter upgrades to UHF — and a federal grant-supported expansion of rural radio signals — have increased electricity costs. “Our utility costs have already gone up by more than $260,000 per year since the television network upgrades in 2023, and we project that the rural radio expansion will drive them up another $200,000 per year starting now,” Schneider said. LD 692 would restore the appropriation to roughly the FY2012 level, he said, while acknowledging that the FY2012 figure still falls short of the level described in the statute.

Committee members asked a small number of clarifying questions about audience reach and the network’s role in distributing weather alerts. Representative Kim Hagen asked for audience numbers; Schneider said Maine Public television reaches roughly 430,000 households weekly and radio about 250,000 listeners weekly. Representative Christina Mitchell asked whether Maine Public itself creates weather warnings; Schneider replied that Maine Public transmits alerts originated by agencies such as the Maine Emergency Management Agency and does not serve as the editorial origin of those messages.

No one spoke in opposition during the hearing. Following the witness testimony and brief questions, Chair Murphy closed the public hearing and moved to the next item on the agenda.

Maine Public and the sponsor characterized LD 692 as a modest, targeted increase to maintain statewide emergency messaging and to cover rising fixed costs tied to expanded transmitter coverage and higher electricity use. The written materials submitted with testimony include a historical appropriation chart and a brochure describing the transmission footprint.

Proponents: Senator Theresa Perce (sponsor) and a Maine Public representative (Mr. Schneider) explained network coverage and a projected shortfall in transmission-operating funds.

Next steps: The committee will consider the measure in a work session; no vote was taken at the public hearing.