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CPTV, WNPR need funds, but 'emergency' banner overstated, CEO says [New Haven Register, Conn. :: ](New Haven Register (CT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 16--If you're a supporter of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPTV and WNPR radio), you can relax some. A recent fund-raising email with a red banner shouting "FUNDING EMERGENCY" was over the top, according to Jerry Franklin, president and CEO, whose name and signature are at the bottom of the letter. "While the headline was a phrase I would not have used -- I don't characterize this as an emergency -- this is our traditional year-end appeal and we need to raise $250,000 between now and June 30," Franklin said. If not, "then that would be something of a problem," although donors have always come through in the past. The rest of the letter is accurate, Franklin said. "As a loyal supporter of CPTV and WNPR, you are with us in the good times and the difficult times. I'm afraid this is one of those difficult times." Not making up the deficit "could seriously affect our programming. A deficit we must correct in the next three weeks to get back on track by the end of our fiscal year," the letter says. Franklin said, "I regret the phrase that was used: 'Financial Emergency.'" He pointed out that the network has cut its fund-raising segments in half, to five a year. CPTV broadcasts "Frontline," "PBS NewsHour," "Masterpiece" and "Sesame Street," while WNPR features local programming such as "The Colin McEnroe Show," "Where We Live" and the Peabody Award-winning "Faith Middleton Show," the email states. So while it's not an emergency, CPBN would still like your donation, which you can make at www.cpbn.org or by phone during their radio and TV pledge drives. Call Ed Stannard at 203-789-5743. Have questions, feedback or ideas about our news coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AskTheRegister.com. ___ (c)2014 the New Haven Register (New Haven, Conn.) Visit the New Haven Register (New Haven, Conn.) at www.nhregister.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |