This program will assist eligible public TV stations with grants to pay for equipment or fees that are required to participate in existing multi-station master control projects. CPB will provide grants of up to 50% of total project costs for eligible budget items up to $50,000. Priority for grant support will be given to stations that are likely to encounter difficulty in securing capital equipment funding (based on market size, type of service, location or other circumstance), with the highest priority among these being rural stations. Please also note that priority will be given to grantees that plan to participate in multi-station master control projects that are currently operated by public television stations and organizations.

CPB has set aside $500,000 of the remaining Digital appropriation funds to provide emergency financial assistance to rural, economically-challenged public TV and radio stations to purchase and install digital master control room and/or transmission equipment that has been damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural or man-made disaster or act of terrorism.