MS HB1593

Appropriates $3,985,955.00 from the State General Fund and $8,183,572.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019).

Authorizes 110 permanent full-time positions and 11 time-limited full-time positions for the Authority.

Requires funds to prioritize continuation of full broadcast schedules for educational, instructional, and public service programs, with new program production as secondary.

Establishes performance targets for content operations (122 locally produced TV programs, 1,092 radio programs), education services (1,500 teachers using MS Interactive Video Network), and community engagement (45 outreach events).

Directs the Authority to develop a transition plan to become fully self-funded by fiscal year 2024 through Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants, fees/revenues, and donor contributions.