The Senate Has Voted to Eliminate Public Media Funding
The Senate has passed the Recissions Act of 2025, which would completely defund public media. The amended bill now heads back to the House for consideration.
This vote threatens federal support for WITF — putting at risk the educational programs, trusted news and emergency communications our community relies on, both locally and from PBS and NPR.
Your voice is urgently needed. Call your Representative and donate today to help protect the future of local public media.
Scott LaMar was formerly the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.
Listen to Smart Talk every weekday at 9:30 am and 7:30 pm on WITF 89.5 & 93.3. You can also stream WITF radio live on our website or ask your smart speaker to “Play WITF Radio.”
Airdate: Wednesday, March 30, 2022
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plans to replace the I-83 or South Bridge that spans the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg. Penndot says the 62-year-old bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The plan would cost an estimated $500 million to $650 million. But what’s looming is Penndot has an $8.1 billion funding gap to fix highways and bridges.
In response, a proposal has been floated to charge motorists who cross the bridge a toll.
At a time when there’s so much polarization, the plan has brought many factions together to oppose tolls on the bridge.
We’ll hear why on Wednesday’s Smart Talk from Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries and Ryan Unger, President and CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC.
