With more state budget cuts being made, two WPSU-TV programs are being cut to help the state recover from a $3 billion deficit it is currently facing -- but supporters are fighting to keep them on air.
The two local TV shows, Scholastic Scrimmage and Common Grounds Lobby Talks were cancelled.
Eight staff members were also laid off because of the proposed state funding cuts made by Gov. Ed Rendell.
In support of WPSU-TV, Penn State Public Broadcasting and seven other public TV stations held an advocacy day Tuesday for supporters to call local legislators and urge funding for the TV shows, before a final budget is approved.
Jake Corman, R-Centre, said his office has been receiving a lot of phone calls and e-mails from people concerned with the cancellation of the TV programs.
"A lot of things that we funded in the past, that have had a positive impact on the Commonwealth, can't be funded this year," Corman said. "Its unfortunate, but we had a difficult time restoring funding for anything this year."
General Manager of Penn State Public Broadcasting Ted Krichels said despite it's popularity, Scholastic Scrimmage doesn't really generate money, and it couldn't continue without state funding.
"It's painful to have to cancel the shows," Krichels said.
"I think especially the cancellation of Scholastic Scrimmage is going to hurt a lot."
Krichels said Scholastic Scrimmage is a quiz show that pits the smartest students from more than 90 central Pennsylvania high schools against each other.
Krichels said the program was important because it brought students from all over Pennsylvania together for a good cause: education.
State College Area High School Principal Craig Butler said it is unfortunate "Scholastic Scrimmage" had to be eliminated, but "tough budgets call for tough decisions."
"I think the students will be disappointed," Butler said. "It's what they thrive on."
Butler said Scholastic Scrimmage was as important to students as sports were to student athletes.
Common Grounds Lobby Talks is a public forum for Penn State faculty and community members to speak on various issues.
Krichels said the financial support for the shows was cut because it takes many resources and large crews to produce episodes, with budgets ranging from $300,000 to $400,000 per year.
Krichels said it is a very confusing budget process, but he hopes there is some way to reclaim some state funding.
Corman said it is going to be more of a challenge to get the programs restored this year, especially during a recession.
Krichel's views aren't that different from Corman's. He said he understands cuts had to be made, but he hopes the programs can be restored.
"I've talked to close to 30 different legislators in Harrisburg, and there is still a glimmer of hope," Krichels said.
