Commercial Broadcasters Support Idaho Public Television

By Jill Kuraitis, 1-29-10

The Idaho State Broadcasters Association today released a resolution in support of continued state funding of Idaho Public Television.  ISBA Legislative Chairman, Fred Fickenwirth, General Manager, KLEW-TV, Lewiston said, “Idaho Public Television plays a vital role in the education of future broadcasters through their facilities at the University of Idaho and Idaho State University.  Commercial radio and television both depend on this educated source of employees for our stations.  In addition, Idaho Public Television keep our citizens up to date on the deliberations of the state legislature, adding an extra layer of education for those who vote for our lawmakers.”

Resolution: “The Idaho State Broadcasters Association supports state funding for Idaho Public Television because of the critical services Idaho Public Television provides to the citizens of Idaho. The ISBA recognizes Idaho Public Television’s unique ability to reach all parts of the state, offering even the most rural citizens access to vital broadcast resources.  Idaho Public Television’s programming and services complement the commercial services offered by other ISBA members, providing coverage and feeds from state government activities, statewide Emergency Alert Services, and pre-school through adult educational services.  Idaho Public Television also serves a vital broadcast student training role in conjunction with the University of Idaho and Idaho State University.  These facilities play a central role in the education of Idaho’s future broadcasters.

The ISBA encourages continued state financial support for the infrastructure and related administration needed to maintain Idaho Public Television’s statewide activities.”