Terminology

There ought to be a succinct word for the maneuver of an entity which, when its budget is to be cut, says that it will cut the service most beneficial to or beloved by the public. For example, every time PBS faces budget battles in Congress, it says that Big Bird will get the axe. When the Jewish Publication Society has a shortfall, it says that it will cease producing its Bible commentaries. And as for the Nation -- well, the Nation places itself on the chopping block every five minutes.

In writing, there's the phrase "killing your darlings," which has a completely different meaning, but might be apropos. Any better ideas?