Funding for Station Satellite Equipment
Each station is responsible for securing funding for its interconnection facilities. Funds may be raised from state or local government sources, licensees, or specific fundraising activities.
In addition, the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) of the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) provides grants for construction and equipment at public radio and television stations. PTFP grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and stations must raise matching funds for part of their projects' costs. The grants are administered on a yearly cycle, and applications are due in February of each year. For more information, contact:
Public Telecommunications Facilities Program
Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications
NTIA, Room 4625
US Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 202.482.5802 Fax: 202.482.2156
Email: ptfp@ntia.doc.gov
Website: www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/ptfp/index.html
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) makes funds for station operations available to those public radio stations that meet their qualification standards. Further information can be obtained from:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
901 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2037
Attention: Station Relations
Phone: 202.879.9600 Fax: 202.873.1039
Email: comments@cpb.org
Website: http://www.cpb.org/
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Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) At A Glance
What is it?
A competitive federal grant program to help public television and radio stations bring programming to unserved areas.
Who's eligible?
All public, non-commercial broadcast stations or groups of stations.
What does it fund?
Everything necessary for the construction of a public radio station or the extension of signals to new areas, including: studio equipment, satellite capacity, satellite uplink/downlink equipment, towers, transmitters, antennas, line, shelter, test and monitoring equipment, etc.
How much money is given out?
In 2002, PTFP awarded 52 public radio grants totaling nearly $4 million. The average grant was approximately $73,000.
Can PTFP grants be used for satellite-fed networks?
Yes, PTFP grants can be used to purchase satellite equipment and services for the purpose of extending coverage to new areas. These services are available from NPR Distribution. For more information, please contact the Business Affairs office at 202.513.2618, or via email: prssbusiness@npr.org.
What are the deadlines?
The deadline for this round of grants is April 4, 2003, at 6:00 pm
How can I find out more?
Call: 202.482.5802
Email: ptfp@ntia.doc.gov
Visit: www.ntia.doc.gov/ptfp
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