DC’s Funding Of Donnie Simpson Show Under Scrutiny

Washington broadcasting legend Donnie Simpson is at the center of new questions involving taxpayer funding for his online talk show. According to a report from WJLA, D.C.’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment is covering production costs for The Donnie Simpson Show under a three-year agreement. The city reportedly pays for the crew, studio space, cameras, and equipment, while Simpson retains full ownership of the program.

The arrangement also gives Simpson a three-month exclusive window to post episodes on his own platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and his website, before the District can air the show. The program is produced at the former BET studio space owned by the city. However, when 7News requested records detailing production costs through a FOIA request, the District reportedly said it had no records showing what taxpayers are spending on the show, despite the contract requiring budget approval.

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