More Pledge Drives for WGBH?

Not to raise an alarm before one is necessary, but a small news item appeared tonight on the WCVB 5 website that might have a huge impact on our public television station. Here's most of the text of the article:

Live coverage of the Massachusetts House of Representatives is leaving the television airwaves and heading to the Internet.... The move is expected to save about $300,000 over the next two years that would have been paid to WGBH.

Per this article, sessions will appear only as streaming video, which will leave WGBH short $300,000, which is a fortune in public broadcasting. If this does come about - the little blurb doesn't suggest it's a done deal - then you should either break out your wallet or put up with more requests for support from "viewers like you."

Then again, should this move from WGBH to online video be a done deal? Sure, it's a cost-cutter, but it's done on the assumption that no one is interested in legislature coverage, and, if they are feeling wonky, then they can find it online. But what about those who don't have an ultra-fast Internet connection?

And, why can't the legislature broadcast on both Internet and television, like CSPAN? CSPAN has a selective video library on its home page, and it still retains its television presence. And, as the Daily Show has proven, seemingly dry-as-dust floor debates can make for riveting television. Bostonist will be watching this as it unfolds.

Image of Viewers Like You from PBS.org.