MUMBAI: In a potential setback for public broadcasting in the US, President George Bush in a spending plan sent to the US Congress has advocated a 13 per cent reduction in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for next year, and a further $50 million cut from the budget for 2008.

The plan seeks to cut $53.5 million from the $400 million previously approved for public TV and radio for 2007, and $50 million from the $400 million allocated for 2008.

CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison says, We at CPB are very disappointed by the funding levels for public broadcasting recommended in the President's budget. We understand the hard choices facing the Administration, Congress and the nation as hurricane reconstruction, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue and entitlement spending take up a growing share of federal dollars. Nevertheless, we believe that greater investments in public broadcasting, a trusted source of information and essential educational services, create stronger connections to community.