Gov. Ivey replaces 5 of 7 Alabama Public Television Commission members after PBS survey
MONTGOMERY, Ala. —
Video above: Alabama survey finds majority supports APT’s ties with PBS, state funding
A shakeup is underway in the Alabama Educational Television Commission as Gov. Kay Ivey replaces five of seven members. This comes days after the commission released a survey on public opinion of Alabama Public Television and its relationship with PBS.
The new appointees to the Board of Directors are listed on the APT website as Wallace Gilberry for the 1st Congressional District, Ric Smith for the 3rd, Neil Lamb for the 5th, Sally Smith for the 6th and Samory Pruitt for the 7th. They replace Les Barnett, Pete Conroy, Bebe Williams, Ferris Stephens and William Green, respectively.
Tijuanna Adetunji and Logan Glass remain on the seven-member commission.
The survey, conducted Sept. 20-23, found that 54% of respondents favored continuing APT’s relationship with PBS. The commission released the results Tuesday.
The appointments follow a dispute over whether APT should end its PBS affiliation after federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and criticism of public broadcasting sparked debate and public backlash.
The commission voted last year to continue its PBS contract for the time being after Ivey urged it to gather public input before making a decision.
WVTM 13 has contacted Ivey’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.
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