Scrutiny falls on Ohio's public broadcasting system as a state audit reveals underuse of a taxpayer-funded service. The recent report, highlighted by the state's performance audit, raises questions about the efficiency and necessity of the Broadcast Educational Media Commission’s (BEMC) Joint Master Control system, which is funded with state revenue to facilitate public television broadcasts.
According to a statement obtained by the Ohio Auditor, less than half of the public television stations in Ohio and their channels employ the state-funded system to air their programs. The system, auditors say, is operating with more capacity than necessary, uncovering a slew of equipment that may not be needed. The findings suggest a potential reconsideration of budget allocation or capacity cuts for the Joint Master Control system.
The BEMC, which has been an independent agency for 65 years, received approximately $10.6 million in general revenue funds for the 2024 fiscal year, with $6.5 million going to support public media and $4.1 million for commission operations. This technology is supposed to help reduce costs for stations, channeling more funds directly into programming. Yet, with the current user rate, allocated resources seem disproportionate.
As part of their assessment, auditors found that the BEMC has "not adjusted to this reality and therefore has for several years been purchasing equipment that is unnecessary for its operational needs," pointing out the commission’s less-than-optimal inventory management. They recommended a deadline for TV stations to declare their intentions to use the Joint Master Control system and suggested reducing its capacity accordingly.
Further recommendations include an overhaul of the BEMC inventory management practices to include a comprehensive record and tracking of existing equipment. This would, in theory, aid the BEMC in forecasting and planning, to ensure no piece of technology’s expiration goes unnoticed and unaddressed. Questions also arise about the Joint Master Control system’s continued operation and whether its functions might be more effectively governed by another state agency, potentially diminishing BEMC’s need for individualized services.
While policymakers are yet to decide on the audit's recommendations, the findings provide a concrete basis for considering how best to optimize state resources dedicated to public broadcasting. The full report detailing the performance audit's outcome is publicly accessible for those interested in perusing the specifics of the system’s use and the financial implications behind it.
