Gov. Kay Ivey has replaced five of the seven members of the commission that oversees Alabama Public Television following months of debate over the network’s relationship with PBS.
Ivey removed Pete Conroy, Ferris Stephens, Les Barnett, Bebe Williams and William Green from the Alabama Educational Television Commission on Friday. Tijuanna Adetunji and Logan Glass will remain on the board.
“Governor Ivey believed it was time for the Alabama Educational Television Commission to have a fresh start,” Ivey Communications Director Gina Maiola said.
The governor appointed Wallace Gilberry to represent 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.
APT’s official board roster has already been updated to reflect the new membership.
The shakeup follows a contentious year for the state public television network.
Last fall, commissioners considered whether Alabama Public Television should sever its affiliation with PBS after federal public broadcasting cuts and continuing conservative criticism of national PBS programming.
Ivey stepped into the debate in November, saying APT programming should reflect “Alabama values” but urging commissioners not to rush into disaffiliation without first surveying viewers and developing a detailed plan.
The commission ultimately voted to continue paying for PBS programming while studying the issue further.
A statewide survey released last week found 54% of respondents favored continuing APT’s relationship with PBS, while 18% supported cutting ties. The poll also found 62% of respondents preferred government officials stay out of programming decisions.
The five replacements come just days after those survey results were released.
Under legislation passed earlier this year, Ivey has expanded authority to remove members of boards and commissions over which the governor has appointment power. The law took effect Oct. 1.
The Alabama Educational Television Commission is the seven-member governing body responsible for overseeing Alabama Public Television, with one commissioner representing each congressional district.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
