May 13, 1999

Dear Constituents of District 32:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding state funding of public television. I agree that public television has been entertaining, educational and, at one point, the link for Alaskans to the outside world. Public broadcasting was one of those federally funded programs that gradually got handed over to the states for funding.

I think government should not run newspapers, television, or radio, because it puts freedom of speech in a dangerous place. The question now is; is it a necessity or even a high priority? I think the answer to both is no.

The funding was reinstated this year, but I think both the management of Alaska PBS and the customers can look forward to the system being asked to pay its own way in the very near future.

This may not be the answer you wanted to hear, but I believe in being up front with my constituents. Please feel free to contact me anytime on this or other issues.

Sincerely,

Representative John Coghill