Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
April 11, 2008
Authorization to Enter Into an Agreement with NPR for the Design, Replacement, Refurbishment and Maintenance of the Public Radio Satellite System
Unanimously
WHEREAS,
The Communications Act of 1934 (the "Act"), as amended, authorizes CPB to assist in the establishment and development of one or more interconnection systems to be used for the distribution of public telecommunications services so that all public telecommunications entities may disseminate such services at times chosen by the entities (47 U.S.C. Sec. 396(g)(1) (B)); and
WHEREAS,
The Act also established a Satellite Interconnection Fund for satellite interconnection systems and associated maintenance of such systems (47 U.S.C. Sec. 396 (k)(10)); and
WHEREAS,
CPB has to date received funds from the Secretary of the Treasury, in the amount of $26,282,678 in FY 2008, for the purpose of replacing, refurbishing, and/or upgrading the national public radio satellite interconnection system; and
WHEREAS,
CPB is accountable for the expenditure of all public funds appropriated to it, including those for satellite interconnection replacement and maintenance, to assure that they are spent properly for the purposes intended and in the furtherance of the goals established by Congress for public broadcasting; and
WHEREAS,
The licensees and permittees of noncommercial educational radio broadcast stations providing public telecommunications services have designated National Public Radio ("NPR") as their national entity for interconnection purposes; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board authorizes the President and CEO to enter into an agreement with NPR for the design, replacement, refurbishment and maintenance of the Public Radio Satellite System ("PRSS"), which is currently estimated at $73,000,000, and to transfer funds under such agreement to NPR from special public radio satellite interconnection appropriations and interest earned thereon. CPB shall not be obligated to provide additional funding from sources other than those special appropriations and interest. CPB management shall ensure that NPR shall be obligated under the agreement to provide basic interconnection services to all public radio stations regardless of receipt of additional special Federal appropriations.
