CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The Charlotte PBS station, WTVI, is in desperate need of money. It is in jeopardy of going dark. That's why station administrators are wondering if they merge with CPCC (Central Piedmont Community College) will that bring new life to the station.
Folks from WTVI and CPCC have already met with County Manager Harry Jones about a possible takeover. They asked Jones would the county be willing to provide funds to help with a transition.
Commissioner Bill James thinks that idea will rob taxpayers. He says the county has already de funded the station and believes by giving CPCC extra money to give to WTVI is underhanded.
"There's what I would call a Hail Mary pass going on," James said. "All of this is a circus act to hide the fact to what they are really trying to do is stiff county tax payers for money for PBS."
People from WTVI and CPCC are now working on a plan to present to the county manager.
If it involves money, then county commissioners will have to discuss. That won't happen until March.
Many hope a merger would happen to keep WTVI alive. Marie Brown owns a child care facility and says her students watch WTVI's programming and they benefit from it.
"The more people involved," Brown said. "The more people understanding what it is WTVI is bringing - the better it is for all."
James says he doesn't mind if CPCC merges with WTVI as long as this doesn't happens.
"Just don't come to the county asking for money." James said.
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