There have been some financial collapses over the past two years among public broadcasting's joint licensees.
WMFE-TV is being sold to a faith based broadcaster while hanging on to it's radio operations.
NJN collapsed completely. The state of New Jersey decided they could no longer underwrite the operation with tax dollars. Their assets are now under the control of New York and Philadelphia stations.
As of August San Mateo Community College District said it was offering KCSM-TV up for sale. KCSM radio will remain a part of the school district.
WKAR in East Lansing saw deficits grow dramatically. The result was cuts in staff and a growing involvement by Michigan State, the license holder. It was announced this week by State News.com that WKAR and Michigan State will be offering "students a chance to engage in public broadcasting operations, such as TV and radio production, along with opportunities in public relations, branding and sales."
WJCT in Jacksonville Florida is also running deficits. They announced this week they are exploring a partnership with the University of North Florida. "WJCT, UNF in talks about partnership."
The Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPTV/WNPR) announced a partnership with Hartford Public Schools. The press release says, "The total immersion” learning laboratory where seniors at the district’s Journalism & Media Academy will receive continuous hands-on training in all aspects of television production and other forms of broadcast communication under the guidance of CPBN professionals. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2012." There's a video that helps promote the project.
Will partnerships with educational institutions save public broadcasting? The partnerships certainly improves their chances. Collaborations and partnerships that strengthen community ties among non-profits and educational institutions increase the value and standing of these cultural institutions.
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