Oklahoma lets pubcaster off the hook for legislative session coverage

The Oklamoma House of Representatives voted down a proposal Thursday (April 7) that would have required the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority to televise legislative sessions and committee meetings, calling it an unfunded mandate. Had the bill passed, OETA would have had to install cameras and other equipment and hire staff with no additional state money, the Oklahoman reports. State support for OETA this fiscal year was cut 6 percent, forcing it to decline contract renewals of three longtime anchors and put five local shows on hiatus. Its $4.2 million state allocation is expected to shrink by at least 7 percent for the 2012 fiscal year beginning July 1.