MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Leaders of Wisconsin’s public broadcasting system say budget cuts proposed by Gov. Scott Walker could put some shows on the chopping block. Walker’s 2015 to 2017 spending plan includes a $2.5 million cut in state funding each year for the Educational Communications Board. The ECB spends about $19 million a year, and buys national programming for some stations and operates infrastructure for most stations outside Madison. The spending plan would also cut $150 million a year from the University of Wisconsin System, which runs public TV and radio networks with the board. Gene Purcell, executive director of the board, says the cuts would inflict a “serious wound” on public broadcasting in Wisconsin. A spokeswoman for Walker says the governor’s office estimates the ECB would be able to make up for cuts through grants, gifts and private donations.
