[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      STATEMENT ON RADIO PACIFICA

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 1994

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to 
take note of an amendment to the Labor, HHS, Education, and Independent 
agencies appropriation bill that passed late last night to cut funding 
by $1 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It must be 
made clear that this amendments is not directed to cut the funding of 
any specific program at CPB, and, in particular, Pacifica Radio.
  Pacifica is a multicultural network committed to promoting diversity 
among our country's communities. As a minority, I believe that Pacifica 
makes a necessary and important contribution to our society. Pacifica 
provides programming that many in our country would not otherwise get. 
We must never forget that diversity and freedom of expression are 
principles upon which our country was founded. Pacifica's commitment to 
cultural understanding and the first amendment is unquestionable. 
Members should know that 75 percent of Pacifica's operations are 
listener supported. It is clear that there is great support among the 
American public for the service that Pacifica provides.
  Contrary to some opinions, Pacifica does not promulgate a policy that 
encourages hate programming or prejudicial reporting. Like all news 
organizations, Pacifica is after a story. Their angle may be different 
but that does not make them wrong. Pacifica is widely recognized among 
the news industry. Pacifica has received prestigious awards such as: 
The Peabody; the Polk Award; the Robert F. Kennedy Freedom Award; the 
U.P.I. Award; the Armstrong Award; and the National Federation of 
Community Broadcasting Golden Reel Award.
  Pacifica is a necessary part of our society. I urge my colleagues to 
give this worthy program the attention necessary. I look forward to 
working with Mr. Smith, chairman of the Labor, HHS, and Education 
Appropriation Subcommittee, to see this issue worked out in conference.

                          ____________________