The proposed bill aims to enhance public media access and promote digital equity in Washington State by establishing new funding mechanisms and programs. It recognizes the importance of noncommercial media in informing and connecting communities, particularly in rural areas, and seeks to provide increased financial support for public media operations. The bill introduces a public media broadcaster program and a digital equity program, both of which will award funds to eligible entities based on specific criteria, including community impact and adherence to professional standards. The programs will focus on ensuring that all Washingtonians have access to reliable media and digital resources, with an emphasis on multilingual and culturally responsive services.

To fund these initiatives, the bill imposes a public media broadcaster and digital equity tax of 20 cents per month on various telecommunications services, including radio access lines and voice over internet protocol service lines. The tax proceeds will be deposited into a newly created public media broadcaster and digital equity account, with 80% allocated for public media grants and 20% for digital equity grants. Additionally, the bill prohibits local governments from imposing similar taxes, ensuring that the funding for public media and digital equity comes solely from this state-level initiative. The legislation also includes provisions for accountability and transparency in the use of funds, requiring annual reporting and audits.