Committee hears broad public testimony on House Bill 2579 to fund public media and digital equity
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Summary
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony for and against House Bill 2579, which would create a public media broadcaster program and a digital equity program funded by a proposed 20¢ monthly per‑line phone tax. Supporters emphasized emergency alerts and rural access; industry groups warned the tax is regressive.
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2579, which would create a Public Media Broadcaster program and a digital equity program and fund them with a 20‑cent monthly tax per phone line.
Martha Whaling, staff to the committee, told members the bill establishes eligibility prioritizing state‑based, non‑paywall outlets and would split revenue 80% for public media grants and 20% for digital equity grants, with up to 3% for administration. "The first program, the Public Media Broadcaster program, is created to ensure that every Washingtonian has access to noncommercial media that informs, educates, and connects Washington communities," Whaling said during the staff briefing.
Prime sponsor Representative Chris Stearns (47th District) framed the bill as a response to federal funding cuts and a way to sustain local news, emergency alerts and cultural programming. "Public radio and public television...has been there for them, providing essential connections and hyper local information in our communities," Stearns said, and asked the committee to advance the bill.
A long line of public broadcasters, community producers and nonprofit stations urged support. David Fisher, president and general manager of KNKX, said HB 2579 would provide "much needed sustainability support" after federal reductions. Genevieve Barlow of KPTZ (Port Townsend) described her station as "the primary and at times only means of emergency communication" in rural Jefferson County. Skyler Reap, interim general manager at KSPS Spokane, said his station lost about 20% of its annual budget after recent federal funding changes, resulting in staff reductions and lost internships.
Other supporters highlighted digital equity goals. Sabrina Roach, chair of the Statewide Digital Equity Partners Coalition, called the bill ‘‘key’’ to ensuring public media content reaches more people and said she would offer an amendment to clarify a fiscal note. Akhil Kala, a Lake Washington High School student, cited broadband gaps and said predictable, small monthly revenue would let organizations plan training and infrastructure.
Industry and taxpayer‑advocacy groups opposed or raised concerns. Jeff Komboski of CTIA, representing the wireless industry, warned Washington already has among the highest wireless tax burdens and described the proposed phone‑line surcharge as regressive, saying it would disproportionately affect low‑income consumers. An opponent representing Washington's Citizens Against Unfair Taxes argued broadly against new taxes.
No committee vote was recorded at the hearing. The chair closed public testimony and moved the committee into a work session on cybersecurity, flood response and wildfire resilience. The committee was reminded of imminent amendment deadlines ahead of cutoff week.