The Television Merger and Consolidation (“TV Merger”) Program is designed to encourage Grantees to enter new operating agreements for the purposes of maintaining universal service and increasing operational efficiency. In May 2009, the CPB Board passed a resolution that provided a framework to ensure universal service. The framework included two priorities:
- Free Universal Service. To the extent possible, everyone that currently receives over-the-air public radio and television service today will continue to receive over-the-air public radio and television service.
- Operational Efficiencies. To maintain universal service or aid stations, CPB encourages approaches that make the most efficient and effective use of overall resources.
In furtherance of these priorities, CPB has established two supplemental CSG funding programs — Universal Service and Operational Efficiency. Each program has its own application and evaluation process.
I. Merger and Consolidation Program: Universal Service
The TV Merger Universal Service (“TV Merger-US”) Program provides supplemental CSG funding to Grantees that enter into new operating agreements to ensure that communities currently receiving a public television broadcast service continue to receive free, over-the-air public television. Supplemental CSG funding provided through the TV Merger-US Program must be expended in accordance with the CSG General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria.
II. Merger and Consolidation Program: Operational Efficiency
The TV Merger Operational Efficiency (“TV Merger-OE”) Program provides one-time supplemental CSG funding in a single CPB fiscal year to Grantees that have completed new operating agreements to increase operational efficiency that expand the quality and scope of their services to the community. Supplemental CSG funding issued pursuant to the TV Merger-OE Program must be expended in accordance with the CSG General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria.
Application Submission
Application deadline is February 7, 2013. Email the completed application materials to TVMerger@cpb.org or mail completed application to:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
401 Ninth Street NW
Washington, DC 20004-2129
Attention: Djinni Field, Project Officer
For questions or concerns, please email TVMerger@cpb.org or call 1-866-635-4747.
Additional Information
- FY2013 Television Merger and Consolidation Program Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
- Application Cover Sheet
Please Note
The TV Merger and TV Bandwidth program guidelines make reference to, and are subject to, provisions of the FY2013 Television Community Service Grant General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria (“FY2013 CSG General Provisions”).
