BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Lawmakers writing the 2011 budget questioned Idaho Public Television’s top official about how Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s plan to eliminate state funding will affect his system’s reach to rural areas.
General Manager Peter Morrill told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Wednesday the station would concentrate on urban areas near Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Twin Falls, not outlying regions where service is now subsidized by Idaho taxpayers.
Sen. Jeff Siddoway, a Republican from Terreton, wanted to know if Morrill could sell commercials to cover $1.6 million in state cash his station stands to lose by 2014, under Otter’s plan.
Morrill said federal law precludes public TV stations from such activities.
Otter contends the age of cable TV and ubiquitous Internet has eliminated the need for a state-funded public TV system, especially when other agencies like public schools are clamoring for money, too.
