Idaho Public Television

October/November 2012
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Quotes The latest Buzz
on idahoptv.org
“Loved Downton Abbey and have enjoyed more and more shows on PBS, so thank you for keeping up the very good programming.” Joyce Hickey Past GM Reports
Inside this issue:
 Quotes, Page 1
“Thank you for the movie, Hearts and Minds. It is intelligent, concise, and helpful. Every high school teacher in the nation should be required to watch this video. I intend to do what I can to promote it.” Sincerely, Judith Anne Overman Website: http://idahoptv.org/productions/specials/heartsandminds/ Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/1431869891/  The Idaho Debates
2012, Page 1
 Idaho Reports Election
Special 2012 “Ballot
Measures,” Page 2
 Presidential Election
Politics: PBS and Big
Bird, Page 2
 The Buzz, Page 6
 Our IdahoPTV
Productions, Page 14
 Outdoor Idaho, Page 15
 Dialogue, Page 16
 D4K, Page 18
 In the News, Page 20
—Aired October 25 (First Congressional District) and October 28 (Second Congressional District) —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/idaho‐debates/ —Website: http://idahoptv.org/elections/2012/ IdahoPTV continued a tradition that has spanned three decades as Idaho’s “station of record” with The Idaho Debates 2012 — live coverage of the one‐hour debates for the Gem State’s two congressional seats. The candidates for the 1st Congressional District U.S. House of Representatives seat debate occurred Thursday, October 25, at 8:00/7:00 p.m. MT/PT, followed Sunday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. MT/PT, with the debate for the 2nd Congressional District seat. During The Idaho Debates 2012, the candidates for the congressional offices on the November ballot faced questions from a panel of reporters representing the Idaho Press Club. IdahoPTV’s Greg Hahn was the producer and moderator. id a h opt v.org
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Idaho Public Television handled the production for Idaho debates, which take place in the Idaho State Capitol’s House/Senate Auditorium in Boise. Partners with IdahoPTV in The Idaho Debates 2012 include the League of Women Voters and the Idaho Press Club. Funding for The Idaho Debates 2012 is provided by the Public Policy Center at Boise State University and the Idaho Public Television Endowment. The Idaho Debates was also re‐aired on Boise State Public Radio and other television broadcast stations. Idaho Reports Election Special 2012 “Ballot Measures” —Aired Thursday, November 1 —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/idaho‐reports/ This Idaho Reports special explored the education reform measures Idaho voters are being asked to decide on. Should teacher pay and collective bargaining be revamped to provide merit rewards and less union control? Should every high school student in the state be issued a laptop or smartpad? State Superintendent Tom Luna and his opposition were guests. A panel of top journalists from around the state went behind the headlines to put questions in context. Hosted by Greg Hahn, the show featured Idaho Reports regulars Jim Weatherby and Betsy Russell as well as opinion writers Kevin Richert from The Idaho Statesman and Corey Taule from the Post Register. Funding for Idaho Reports is provided by a grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation and contributions to the Friends of Idaho Public Television, Inc. Idaho Reports website: http://idahoptv.org/idreports/ Idaho Debates website: http://idahoptv.org/elections/2012/ Presidential Election Politics: PBS and Big Bird As you know, in recent weeks, PBS and Big Bird have entered into presidential election politics. Much has been said by the campaigns, pundits and general public. I’m including a sampling of some of the discourse. http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeNybC4eIgk for Mitt Romney’s quote during the first presidential debate about his intent to eliminate funding for PBS. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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Also, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZxs09eV‐Vc&feature=player_embedded to view the Obama campaign ad that blasts Romney for this position. And, NBC’s Brian Williams produced a report on the service impact of PBS http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly‐news/49308773#49308773. Finally, below are three additional items: a Ken Burns’ column for USA Today, a constituent letter from Representative (and candidate) Mike Simpson about his support for adequate federal funding for IdahoPTV and public radio, and New York Times columnist Charles Blow. Ken Burns: Romney’s war on public TV is a loss for USA The businessman presidential candidate knows the price of things, but he clearly doesn’t know their value. http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2012/10/09/ken‐burns‐romneys‐war‐on‐public‐tv‐is‐a‐loss‐for‐
usa/1623125/ October 9. 2012 ‐ In 2007, as we were preparing for the broadcast of The War, our film on how four American towns experienced World War II, I visited West Point to share some clips with cadets and discuss with them the two wars that awaited them upon graduation. These young men and women were at most 2 or 3 years old when our film The Civil War aired on PBS in 1990. Yet many told us their decision to enter the military was inspired, in part, by that film. Nearly 40 million people watched The Civil War during its premiere. To this day, I carry in my wallet a worn copy of the now famous letter written by Maj. Sullivan Ballou to his wife, Sarah, a week before his death in 1861 at the Battle of Bull Run: “I know how strongly American civilization now leans on the triumph of the government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing, perfectly willing, to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt.” For many, The Civil War was a remarkable moment, a brief respite from the tension in the Middle East on the eve of the Persian Gulf War, and a chance for all of us ‐‐ North and South, blue and red ‐‐ to share and reflect on our complicated and not always easy history. It was also a public television moment. Big Bird attack Mitt Romney’s assault on PBS and Big Bird during the first presidential debate lit up the Internet with tweets and posts about the fate of this beloved Sesame Street character, one that I too, as a father of four, cherish. But the response goes beyond Sesame Street. It resonates because the American people understand that we have a debt not because of public television; we have a debt to public television. Over the course of a year, 91% of all U.S. television households ‐‐ 236 million people ‐‐ tune into their PBS‐member station. Federal funding accounts for about 15% of the money necessary to make public broadcasting possible. For every dollar in federal funding invested in local stations, they raise an additional $6 on their own, including contributions from millions of people who voluntarily support their community‐based work. It’s such a tiny, tiny part of the federal budget, approximately 1/100th of 1%, that you have to question, why pick on that? The return on investment is something a good businessman should see as spectacular. Romney knows the price of things, but he clearly doesn’t know their value. id a h opt v.org
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Shared experience In an increasingly difficult world to navigate, with multiple media outlets and a constant onslaught of viewpoints, PBS remains our shared space, one where we can experience the best in arts and education, public affairs, history, science and journalism. It is a place where we can all feel at home. In the middle of filming The Civil War in the late 1980s, I had the good fortune to meet with President Reagan in the White House. When I told him I was a PBS producer working on a series about the Civil War, his eyes lit up. He told me stories of seeing the old Union veterans marching down the center of Dixon, Ill., on the Fourth of July when he was a boy. Then he asked me how it was funded. I said I received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (something else Romney has vowed to eliminate) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes this funding. Those funds had, in turn, brought in corporate and foundation monies. Reagan put both hands on my shoulder and said, “That’s it! We need public‐private partnerships. The government primes the pump, and then the private sector has the motivation to get involved. Good work! I can’t wait to see the finished film.” He later wrote me a kind note about how much the series meant to him. Ken Burns has been making films for more than 30 years. His latest documentary, The Dust Bowl, premieres on PBS on Nov. 18‐19. In addition to its own editorials, USA TODAY publishes diverse opinions from outside writers, including our Board of Contributors. Dear Chris: Thank you for contacting me regarding funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) provides grants and funding support to local public television stations and public radio stations, such as Idaho Public Television and National Public Radio stations in Idaho, which are a primary source of news and information in many rural parts of the state. I am a strong supporter of public television and public radio. As you may know, I am a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, which is responsible for the funding of CPB. Rest assured, I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Subcommittee to ensure CPB receives adequate funding. Once again, thank you for taking time to contact me with your concerns. The thoughts and opinions of Idahoans are important to me as your Representative in the United States Congress. I also encourage you to visit my website at www.simpson.house.gov to sign up for my e‐newsletter and to read more about my views on a variety of issues. Sincerely, Mike Simpson Member of Congress id a h opt v.org
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Don’t Mess With Big Bird By CHARLES M. BLOW Published: October 5, 2012 OP‐ED COLUMNIST http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/opinion/blow‐dont‐mess‐with‐big‐bird.html?smid=fb‐share Mitt Romney’s Big Bird swipe during Wednesday’s debate raised some hackles: PBS’s, many on social media and mine. Romney told the debate moderator, Jim Lehrer: “I’m sorry, Jim. I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS. I’m going to stop other things. I like PBS. I love Big Bird. I actually like you, too. But I’m not going to — I’m not going to keep on spending money on things to borrow money from China to pay for it.” Those are fighting words. Social media, and others, exploded in Big Bird’s defense. PBS itself issued a tersely worded statement on Thursday, saying: “Governor Romney does not understand the value the American people place on public broadcasting and the outstanding return on investment the system delivers to our nation. We think it is important to set the record straight and let the facts speak for themselves.” Exactly! What they said! Big Bird is the man. He’s 8 feet tall. He can sing and roller skate and ride a unicycle and dance. Can you do that, Mr. Romney? I’m not talking about your fox trot away from the facts. I’m talking about real dancing. Since 1969, Big Bird has been the king of the block on “Sesame Street.” When I was a child, he and his friends taught me the alphabet and the colors and how to do simple math. Do you know how to do simple math, Mr. Romney? Maybe you and the Countess Von Backward could exchange numbers. Big Bird and his friends also showed me what it meant to resolve conflicts with kindness and accept people’s differences and look out for the less fortunate. Do you know anything about looking out for the less fortunate, Mr. Romney? Or do you think they’re all grouches scrounging around in trash cans? I know that you told Fox News this week that you were “completely wrong” for making that now infamous 47 percent comment, but probably only after you realized that it was a drag on your poll numbers. Your initial response was to defend it as “inelegantly stated” but essentially correct. That’s not good, sir. Character matters. Big Bird wouldn’t have played it that way. Do you really believe that Pennsylvania Avenue is that far away from Sesame Street? It shouldn’t be. id a h opt v.org
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Let me make it simple for you, Mr. Romney. I’m down with Big Bird. You pick on him, you answer to me. And, for me, it’s bigger than Big Bird. It’s almost impossible to overstate how instrumental PBS has been in my development and instruction. We were poor. My mother couldn’t afford day care, and I didn’t go to preschool. My great‐uncle took care of me all day. I could watch one hour of television: PBS. When I was preparing for college and took the ACT, there were harder reading passages toward the back of the test. Many had scientific themes — themes we hadn’t covered at my tiny high school in my rural town. But I could follow the passages’ meanings because I had watched innumerable nature shows on PBS. I never went to art or design school. In college, I was an English major before switching to mass communications. Still, I went on to become the design director of The New York Times and the art director of National Geographic magazine. That was, in part, because I had a natural gift for it (thanks mom and dad and whatever gods there may be), but it’s also because I spent endless hours watching art programs on PBS. (Bob Ross, with his awesome Afro, snow‐
capped mountains and “magic white,” will live on forever in my memory.) I don’t really expect Mitt Romney to understand the value of something like PBS to people, like me, who grew up in poor, rural areas and went to small schools. These are places with no museums or preschools or after‐school educational programs. There wasn’t money for travel or to pay tutors. I honestly don’t know where I would be in the world without PBS. As PBS pointed out: “Over the course of a year, 91 percent of all U.S. television households tune in to their local PBS station. In fact, our service is watched by 81 percent of all children between the ages of 2‐8. Each day, the American public receives an enduring and daily return on investment that is heard, seen, read and experienced in public media broadcasts, apps, podcasts and online — all for the cost of about $1.35 per person per year.” PBS is a national treasure, and Big Bird is our golden — um, whatever kind of bird he is. Hands off! I invite you to join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter, or e‐mail me at [email protected]. —Our fiscal year 2012 on‐site audit conducted by the Legislative Audits Division has now concluded. Over the next month, they will compile their results and we’ll forward you the results as soon as they are made public. id a h opt v.org
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—On Wednesday, October 17, the State Board of Education reviewed and accepted IdahoPTV’s FY 12 Performance Measures at their monthly meeting, held at Lewis‐Clark State College. Highlights included: • increasing the percentage of Idaho’s population within our DTV signal coverage area to 97.8%, • upgrading 13 additional translators to digital (for a new total of 36), • streaming 350 hours of Students Come First meetings and 111 hours of Redistricting Commission meetings online, • receiving 43 national and regional awards for programs that IdahoPTV produced (including two regional Emmy awards and five regional Emmy nominations), and  continuing to keep at an incredibly low rate of 20.26 full‐time equivalent (compared to our pear group of 30.40 FTE) to operate our statewide delivery/distribution system. —On October 19, the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Service (USDA RUS) announced that Idaho Public Television was one of ten entities to receive competitive grant support for critical infrastructure in rural areas. We will receive $47,870 (no local match!) to build a fiber cable link from the KISU‐DT transmitter building at East Butte to connect to the Idaho Public Safety Community Network, a distance of approximately 600 feet. This will benefit the viewers served by both the KISU transmitter coverage area as well as the 18 translators that broadcast across eastern Idaho with significant improvements in digital broadcast reliability. I will update you about the timeline of the project as the grant contracting process evolves. For more information: http://
www.rurdev.usda.gov/STELPRD4018640.html. —On Saturday, October 20, Bruce Reichert and I gave the luncheon address to about 200 members, from across Idaho, of Toastmaster’s International. The speech occurred at the Boise Hotel and Convention Center and focused on both our broad range of statewide services and a look at 30 years of amazing stories from Outdoor Idaho. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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—On September 11, 2012 at Boise State University, IdahoPTV’s Community Cinema screened a program about women in Kenya that is part of the upcoming PBS series Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Dialogue host Marcia Franklin moderated a discussion afterwards with Kelly Miller and Keziah Sullivan of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. There were great comments from the audience, as well as crafts from Artisans4Hope. A similar event took place at Idaho State University on October 16. —On Friday, October 12, Marcia Franklin spoke to the City Club of Idaho Falls and presented segments from IdahoPTV’s The Color of Conscience: Human Rights in Idaho. The presentation took place at the Samuel Horne Bennion Student Union Building at University Place in Idaho Falls. Pictured above are Kris Millgate, Marcia Franklin, and Karole Honas. —On Tuesday, September 25, IdahoPTV played host to the Idaho State Bar Associations for a preview of The Color of Conscience and panel discussion of human rights in Idaho. This multi‐site meeting was video conferenced with 20+ attendees in the Boise/Idaho Public Television studio, 40+ in Pocatello, 30+ in Coeur d’Alene, 10 in Moscow and several at Concordia University in Boise. The attendees were primarily students, attorneys, faculty and staff. The session was also considered CLE. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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—I’m very pleased to let you know that the Idaho Humanities Council has awarded IdahoPTV a $12,300 grant toward the support of the broadcast of American Experience on IdahoPTV! —Idaho Public Television is very happy to let you know that the Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Pospisil Shelton Foundation Advised Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation has granted us $3,000 toward the costs of providing services through our No Business Mountain translator in Valley County. Again, thank you to the Perc H. Shelton and Gladys A. Pospisil Shelton Foundation Advised Fund! —IdahoPTV was a media sponsor of this year’s Trailing of the Sheep festivities in Ketchum, Idaho. —KTVB Reporter Jamie Grey snapped this picture of a rainbow emanating out of the IdahoPTV Boise building. id a h opt v.org
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—Work is progressing well at the new Idaho City translator site. As pictured above, the tower and building were placed on Friday, November 2 with the new power line installation occurring earlier in the week. As a result of the digital television channel assignment made by the FCC, some rural areas lost digital television service. This project was made possible by a grant obtained by IdahoPTV from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This grant is also being leveraged to benefit public safety with a high speed data connection for the Boise County Sherriff’s office. We’ll keep you posted on our progress next month! —On Tuesday, October 2, Rich Van Genderen presented to the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council a request for fiscal year 2014 totaling $267,000 for much needed funds to repair the building that houses the KUID transmitter on Paradise Ridge. Below, are two pictures that illustrate some of the age‐related problems with the building. On November 1, the Council approved $30,000 for planning and architectural services as part of their fiscal year 2014 request to the Legislature. —Friends of IdahoPTV Board Director Eve Chandler is pictured above at an October 9 book signing of her new Brundage Mountain work, held at the Idaho State Historical Museum in Boise. For more information about her new book, checkout: http://www.brundage.com/book/?pass=65. id a h opt v.org
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—IdahoPTV grant writer Cindy Lunte and producer/writer Joan Cartan‐
Hansen are pictured at the September 20 Teachers’ Night Out, at the Boise Centre on the Grove in Boise. On Thursday, September 20, almost 400 educators from southwest Idaho gathered in Boise for a fun night of socializing and information gathering at the Cultural Network’s (a consortium of local museums, libraries, educational and cultural organizations) annual “Teachers’ Night Out.” This teacher‐appreciation event brings educators and non‐profit organizations together to share curriculum, field trip and classroom resources. Our staff used the opportunity to introduce teachers to our many rich teacher resources like Scout, a new teacher’s digital media service; our extensive D4K science resources; Idaho Public Television’s monthly teacher’s newsletter; and other local assets like the Proceeding on…Visions of Idaho history series and Teacherline. The educators were extremely appreciative and enthusiastic about Idaho Public Television’s many teacher services … and they really liked the Big Bird stickers. —On October 19, “Politicians vs. the Press,” featured Kelly McBride, lead media ethicist for the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. The symposium featured a keynote address and a panel of journalists discussion streamed statewide by Idaho Public Television live from the Capitol Auditorium, Idaho State Capitol. The Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium is produced by the University of Idaho School of Journalism and Mass Media and is underwritten by a gift from university alumni Douglas F. Oppenheimer, president of Boise‐based Oppenheimer Companies, and Arthur F. (Skip) Oppenheimer, chairman of the board. Co‐sponsors include The Idaho Statesman, Idaho Public Television, the Idaho Press Club, the University of Idaho Boise Center and the University of Idaho College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a state‐based program of the National Endowment of the Humanities. The full symposium can be viewed at: http://idahoptv.org/asxgen.cfm?showfile=LegLive/Oppenheimer_Ethics_Symposium/
Oppenheimer_Ethics_Symposium_10‐19‐12.wmv Marcia Franklin’s interview with Ms. McBride can be viewed at: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/dialogue/ id a h opt v.org
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—October was cyberbullying awareness month. Idaho Public Television, in collaboration with Idaho Commission for Libraries, Department of Education, Office of the Attorney General, ISBA, ILA, and IASA, offered broadcast and online content throughout the month. These materials are accessible for educators, parents and students regarding the prevention of cyberbullying at http://guides.lili.org/cyberbullying. Idaho Public Television aired Dissed Respect: The Impact of Bullying October 13th. It reveals the relationship between bullying and dysfunctional aspects of diversity. You can also access the video at http://
video.idahoptv.org/video/1149368127. —Tim Tower, IdahoPTV Director of Finance, was the winner in Idaho Magazine’s annual photo contest. The photo above is entitled “Race to Robie Creek” and features (breakout your magnifying glass) IdahoPTV’s Penny Traylor. —On August 25, producer Aaron Kunz gave a presentation about the Outdoor Idaho program “Idaho Salmon” as part of the museum’s Salmonfest. —Just a quick note to let you all know that the PBS World Channel rebroadcast our 2nd Congressional district debate nationally in early November. They also aired debates from several other PBS stations nationwide leading up to election day As in past years, we make these debates available to any legitimate broadcaster to air in their entirety. Past years, they have aired on C‐Span, this year it will be on the PBS World Channel. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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—We’re #2! On September 26, Boise Weekly announced that IdahoPTV won Second Place as Boise’s Favorite Television Station. We were edged out by none other than KTVB, Boise. Congrats to the winner and to our great viewers and staff at Idaho Public Television! —On Sunday, September 23, Dame Maggie Smith won an Emmy for her depiction of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Category. PBS this year had a record number of nominations in the Prime Time categories. —Our EarthFix collaboration with other public television and radio stations in the Northwest, won twice on Saturday, September 22, in the national Online Journalism Awards, which are sponsored by the Online News Association and the School of Communications at the University of Miami. Special congratulations go out to our own IdahoPTV producer/writer Aaron Kunz. Aaron splits his time between IdahoPTV and Boise State Public Radio. EarthFix won first place in the explanatory and topical categories among news organizations with small staffing levels. That put us ‐‐‐ in our rookie year – in competition with the likes of Salon.com and the Nieman Journalism Lab. Other news organizations in the small newsroom category to compete for OJAs: Frontline, the Texas Tribune, StateImpact Florida, and Harvest Public Media. EarthFix’s “explanatory” entry featured the work of Katie Campbell and Ashley Ahearn to report on removing dams on Washington’s Elwha River. EarthFix’s topical coverage highlighted the entire staff’s range of news fixed on the environment. Both entries were judged for the content, online presentation, and social media efforts. id a h opt v.org
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In Production … “IDAHO’S SCENIC BYWAYS” In Idaho, a drive can be an adventure, a trip through landscapes that captivate travelers. That is the essence of “Idaho’s Scenic Byways” an hour‐long Outdoor Idaho special presentation premiering March 2013. The Outdoor Idaho crew logged hundreds of miles along many of the state’s 30 scenic, historic and backcountry byways to capture the material for the program. They gathered images and interviews documenting a number of the most fascinating roads in the region. From the Oregon Trail‐Bear Lake Byway in Idaho’s southeast corner, to the Hells Canyon Byway on the western edge of the state, to the Wild Horse Byway that runs to Canada there are many corridors that can carry you to some of the state’s most compelling places. Outdoor Idaho hits the highways with local experts who show us the highlights of these specially designated routes to discovery. Behind the Stories Rock Steady By Sauni Symonds IdahoPTV Producer/Director October 12, 2012 “Trying to organize rock climbers is kind of like herding cats,” says Doug Colwell, a veteran local climber. I’ve known Doug for many years as both a rock climber and ice climber. Doug loves to climb just about anything, although age is starting to make him a little more cautious. I enlisted Doug to help me herd some cats. His contacts and knowledge of rock climbing in Idaho was an invaluable asset as we began putting the show together. We started shooting last summer, hoping to get everything we needed for a show; but as it turned out, Mother Nature had a different agenda. 2011 in Idaho was one of the wettest on record, especially at higher elevations. Our trip to the world renowned Elephants Perch in the Sawtooth Mountains had to be delayed until September due to snow storms. And even though the snow was mostly gone by August, the mosquitoes were horrendous. When the blood‐thirsty pests finally died down, Doug called in a climbing buddy to help us pack in cameras and gear. We would meet up with veteran climbers Reid Dowdle and Brad Brooks already at the Perch doing a warm up climb. The approach to the Elephant’s Perch is really part of the attraction. If you don’t already know how to get there, you won’t find it. Most hikers using the trail‐head are heading to Alpine Lake or Cramer Lakes, but climbers headed to the Perch take a very challenging detour about 2 miles in. The hike starts with an early morning boat ride across Red Fish Lake. As we started up the trail, the glorious granite peaks of the Sawtooths glinted in the morning sun. The crew had no idea what lay ahead. Since we would be staying overnight, we all had full packs, plus an assorted amount of camera equipment, videotape, tripods, etc. Director videographer Pat Metzler, volunteer Stephanie Dickey, and I made up the crew. id a h opt v.org
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As we followed Doug and his fellow climber Tim Ball along the mostly flat trail, I thought to myself, “This isn’t so bad. I’m in better shape than I thought.” I hadn’t carried a heavy pack for quite a few years, so was relieved to feel no pain. Then we made the detour. A small path through heavy brush led us to a stream crossing, which consisted of two spindly, bouncy logs. No problem. Once across the stream we took off our packs for a short rest before tackling the last leg of the journey. I had heard that the trail to the Elephants Perch was a bit challenging, so I had trained for a few weeks in the foothills of Boise. I was feeling pretty confident it wouldn’t get to me, if I took it slow. A thousand vertical feet later, I realized I was wrong. The trail wasn’t really a trail as much as a bushwhack over fallen trees with the path appearing every once in a while. The climbers were accustomed to the trail, and in much better shape, no doubt, than the crew, because they did not seem nearly as tuckered out at the top as we were. We eventually stumbled into camp, drenched with sweat and happy to get the packs off. Stephanie jumped in the lake, which was gorgeous to look at but freezing cold. I opted to rest and refuel. After Pat had recovered, he headed out with the climbers to scout the next day’s climb, which would consist of an hour hike to the base of the route and then a five‐hour jam to the top. I was pretty sure Pat was hating me by now. But one thing I’ve noticed … after a few weeks the pain subsides, and only the pictures and the video remain. I’m thinking that’s a worthwhile trade‐off! New Outdoor Idaho “Climbing Idaho” —Premiered Thursday, October 18, at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch it now: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/2293596278/ Idaho has the raw materials statewide. Enthusiasts have the skills. They sport climb, alpine climb, crack climb or boulder — all to conquer a wall of rock. The state’s rock climbers have grown from a band of wanderers searching for the next challenging crag to a rock‐
climbing community that is large enough to support climbing gyms, clubs and advocacy groups. This new episode that clings to sheer heights is the first show of the series’ 30th anniversary season. “Idaho is home to some world‐class rock climbing and bouldering. It was a fun and challenging show to produce that took a lot of planning, patience, and physical endurance, especially for videographers Pat Metzler and Jay Krajic who had to follow climbers up the rock,” says producer Sauni Symonds. “The show gives us a glimpse into the life of an Idaho rock climber that everyone can appreciate.” Cameras follow climbers into southern Idaho’s City of Rocks, up the basalt cliffs near Boise, up a boulders at Swan Falls on the Snake River, up Elephants Perch in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and up Chimney Rock in id a h opt v.org
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the Selkirk Range in northern Idaho. The episode looks at the history of climbing in Idaho, the people who popularized the activity, and the language, equipment, strategies, techniques and physical requirements of the sport. Brad Brooks, a veteran climber, notes that a good rock climber “is not just physically strong. You have to be mentally strong as well.” New Outdoor Idaho “Horse Packers & Wagon Masters” —Premiered Thursday, October 4 —Watch it now: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/2287831931 For some Idahoans traveling at five miles an hour or less from the back of a horse or the seat of a wagon with a team of mules is the favorite way to see the scenery. This new equine travel episode completes the 2011‐2012 Outdoor Idaho season. Phil Dawson leaves his Hagerman home to ride a loop through six western states on a 2,000‐mile pack trip for charity — and break a 100‐year‐old record for miles packed with a horse and mule. He is raising money to help children who need organ transplants. “I get to ride and I get to do it for the kids,” says the blacksmith and horse trainer with his mare Apache Gold and pack mule Copper Penney. A group of friends spends a vacation on the Oregon Trail — along the unpaved byway that is part of the Hudspeth Cutoff in southern Idaho — confronting steep slopes and hard work. Teamster Glenn Beck says the storied landscape used by the pioneers brings history alive: “As you are right on the trail, it seems like it means more to you.” The rugged Selkirk Mountains are a playground for the Priest Lake Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen; the chapter also helps maintain the trails for all user groups. A trio of members and horses work their way up to Fault Lake. “It’s the scenery and the solitude and being able to forget about the rest of the world for just an hour or two,” says Dale Schrempp. Media, Ethics and the Election —Aired Friday, November 2, at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/dialogue/ Dialogue host Marcia Franklin talked with media expert Kelly McBride about media, ethics and the election. McBride, a senior faculty member at the Poynter Institute, discussed the changes in the delivery of election news, and both the advantages and ethical issues those new platforms can pose. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Poynter Institute is a national training center for journalists, educators, media leaders and citizens; its staff also studies media trends. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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McBride and Franklin discussed the rise in what McBride terms the “fifth estate,” journalists and citizens using new media such as Twitter, blogs, memes and YouTube to disseminate information about the election. According to McBride, as a result of opinion‐driven sites, “neutrality,” a standard for American media, is eroding. At the same time, she notes a rise in the popularity of fact‐checking sites, including new mobile applications. The two also discussed how traditional “fourth estate” media are collaborating with new media, whether journalists should “friend” sources on Facebook, the ethical issues surrounding political advertising on television, and whether media entities should have social media policies. Poet/Author Naomi Shihab Nye —Aired Friday, October 26, at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/dialogue/ On this Dialogue, host Marcia Franklin’s four “Conversations from the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference” conclude with her interview with Palestinian‐American poet, essayist, novelist and teacher Naomi Shihab Nye. A resident of San Antonio, Texas, Nye is the author or editor of more than 30 works of poetry, fiction and essays. Her books include Words Under the Words; Red Suitcase; Fuel, You and Yours; Never in a Hurry; Habibi; A‐maze Me; Honeybee; and 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Franklin talked with Nye about her beginnings as a poet, the influences on her work, her tips for writing, the role of poetry in society, and her thoughts on the Palestinian‐Israeli conflict. Author S.C. Gwynne —Aired Friday, October 19, at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/2291761990 On this Dialogue, host Marcia Franklin interviewed award‐winning author S.C. (Sam) Gwynne in the third of four new “Conversations from the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference.” Gwynne is the author of Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History, which spent four months on the New York Times’ Top 10 Best Sellers List. Gwynne’s book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2011, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist and winner of both the Texas and Oklahoma Book awards. Gwynne is a special correspondent for Texas Monthly, where he was executive editor for nearly a decade. He also held several positions at Time magazine, including correspondent, bureau chief and senior editor. Franklin talked with Gwynne, whose previous books had been about the banking industry, about why he was drawn to this story, and what he finds so unique about the Comanches. In a special Web Extra at video.idahoptv.org, Gwynne also discusses his upcoming book on Gen. Stonewall Jackson, titled Rebel Yell. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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Author Alexandra Fuller —Aired Friday, October 5, at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/2287927900 The 19th season of Dialogue premiered October 5 with an interview with Jackson Hole, Wyoming, author Alexandra Fuller in the first of four new “Conversations from the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference.” This fall also brings a new day and time for the airing of Dialogue: Fridays at 8:00 p.m. MT/PT. Marcia Franklin, an award‐winning producer who has worked at IdahoPTV since 1990, will be the series’ main host. She’ll focus on interviews with exceptional individuals involved in making and documenting history. Fuller was raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Malawi and Zambia. Her reminiscences of growing up in war‐torn Africa form the basis of two memoirs, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood (2002) and Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness (2011). She has written two other books and for numerous magazines and newspapers. The two discuss Fuller’s works, her life and her writing philosophy. Since 2005, Franklin has interviewed nearly 30 authors at the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, considered one of the most important gatherings of writers in the country. The Nervous System —Airs Tuesday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. MT/PT —Watch It When Available: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/d4k/ The nervous system is a complex network that regulates and coordinates your body’s activities. How does it work? On this month’s D4K broadcast show, host Joan Cartan‐Hansen and her guest scientists will answer students’ questions about the nervous system. Cartan‐Hansen will be joined by Dr. Mary River, a neurologist at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. This episode is filmed at the Bodies Revealed Exhibit at the Discovery Center of Idaho. D4K is Idaho Public Television’s science education project for elementary age children. Students watch D4K over the air or on the D4K website. They can send their questions through e‐mail to [email protected] or submit video questions recorded on their smartphones or webcams. Teachers can also borrow a video camera from IdahoPTV and record questions. Students who send in a question are eligible to win prizes for their classroom. The D4K website offers facts, links, reading lists, a glossary, podcasts of programs; video shorts, full episodes and special D4K Web‐exclusive programming. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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Dinosaurs —Airs Tuesday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m./1:00pm MT/PT —Watch It When Available: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/d4k/ They once roamed the Earth, but they eventually went extinct. On this month’s D4K host Joan Cartan‐Hansen and her guest scientist will discuss dinosaurs. Cartan‐Hansen is joined by David Varricchio, an associate professor of paleontology at Montana State University. In addition to answering students’ questions, professor Varricchio takes Cartan‐Hansen on a tour of one of his dinosaur digs and discusses his team’s recent finds. Stop, Hey, What’s That Sound? —Aired Tuesday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m./1:00pm MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/d4k/ D4K host Joan Cartan‐Hansen and her guest scientists answered students’ questions about sound. Cartan‐Hansen was joined by Steve Shropshire, a professor of physics from Idaho State University; and Kathryn Devine, an assistant professor of physics from the College of Idaho. Cartan‐Hansen’s guests talked about what this form of energy can do and how it fills our ears with sensations that can be both soothing and enjoyable or annoying and painful. D4K Opened 14th Season With Show on ‘Galaxies’ —Aired Tuesday, September 18, at 2:00 p.m./1:00pm MT/PT —Watch It Now: http://video.idahoptv.org/program/d4k/ Dr. Amber Straughn, a NASA research astrophysicist and the deputy project scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Education and Public Outreach, joined host Joan Cartan‐Hansen to answer questions about space, galaxies and the Webb Telescope when D4K began its 14th season. D4K started the season with a few format changes. All shows will be taped, which will preclude live phone calls and Tweets. “However, the heart of the show will remain the same, and students will still be able to submit questions online to our guest scientists,” says Cartan‐Hansen. “We will still take questions in advance via email, and now students will also be able to use their smart phones and webcams to submit video questions. Also, part of the show’s new approach is to provide teachers in the state with a video camera so they can record their students’ questions and submit them to the show.” The award‐winning, IdahoPTV‐produced science program for grade‐school students airs the third Tuesday of each month at 2:00/1:00 p.m. MT/PT during the academic year. Scientists from various fields join Cartan‐Hansen to share their expertise. id a h opt v.org
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In the News Why Big Bird Matters: The Politicization of Public Broadcasting “I fundamentally believe that the public will not stand for severe cuts to public broadcasting.” by George Prentice October 31, 2012 http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/why‐big‐bird‐matters‐the‐politicization‐of‐public‐broadcasting/Content?
oid=2754870 Ken Burns was thrilled to learn that he had a fan in the White House. The prolific filmmaker, who redefined American documentaries by chronicling baseball, jazz and Mark Twain, had just told the president of his latest project: a nine‐part documentary on the Civil War, that would go on to become the most watched program ever to air on PBS. “His eyes lit up,” Burns remembered. “I said I received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, which distributes this funding. Those funds had in turn brought in corporate and foundation monies.” The president put both hands on Burns’ shoulder and said, “That’s it. We need public‐private partnerships. Good work. I can’t wait to see the finished film.” id a h opt v.org
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Later, Burns said he received a personal note on White House stationery ‐‐ about how much the series had meant to the president. But the note hadn’t come from President Barack Obama, or any Democrat for that matter. In fact, the White House discussion took place nearly a quarter century ago between Burns and President Ronald Reagan. Yet Mitt Romney, who continuously invokes Reagan’s memory, couldn’t distance himself further from Reagan’s words when, Peter Morrill, General Manager of Idaho Public Television, says
during the Oct. 3 debate, the current GOP standard‐bearer went Sesame Street is just part of Idaho PTV’s approximately
24,000 hours of educational programming each year.
out of his way to tell a national television audience of 67 million Americans that he was anxious to pull the plug on federal support for the Public Broadcasting Service. “I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS,” promised Romney, who quickly added, “I like PBS. I like Big Bird.” But Romney has continually put Big Bird in his cross‐hairs through much of the political season. Jan. 12: “I’m afraid Big Bird is going to have to get used to Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.” Feb. 25: “We borrow money so that when you were little you watched Big Bird and Bert and Ernie.” March 15: “I like my grandkids being able to see Bert and Ernie and Big Bird, but I’m not willing to borrow money from China so that PBS doesn’t have to run advertising.” But it was Romney’s Oct. 3 comment that shook more than Big Bird’s nest, sending broadcast executives back on their heels in the offices of PBS, CPB and National Public Radio, another of CPB’s funding partners. “I happened to be in the national offices of NPR the day after that debate,” said John Hess, general manager of Boise State Public Radio. “I was in the office of the vice president of NPR station services.” Hess recalled that there was an “uneasy vibe” at NPR ‐‐ one of the nation’s largest and most honored news organizations ‐‐ when it became part of the day’s top news story. “I think public media would love not to become the story. Believe me, that’s not something we’re trying to do,” said Hess. “I honestly can’t remember a presidential nominee taking on public broadcasting.” Across town, at the Boise headquarters of Idaho Public Television, General Manager Peter Morrill agreed that Romney’s debate comment which coincidentally was aired on public broadcasting stations was “very surprising.” “But beyond my initial surprise, the debate reaffirmed to me about the business we’re in. Public broadcasting isn’t partisan,” said Morrill. “Big Bird is a puppet, not a partisan issue.” And once all of the subsequent Big Bird jokes, which pre‐occupied late night comedy programs, had come and gone, Morrill said a critical issue remained. “I fundamentally believe that the public will not stand for severe cuts to public broadcasting,” he said. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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Idaho PTV receives approximately $1.1 million, in the form of a community service grant, from CPB, representing about 15 percent of its annual operating revenue. $1.3 million comes from the State of Idaho and the lion’s share of Idaho PTV’s revenue, nearly $4 million, comes from individuals, companies and foundations. “I just don’t believe that without that CPB investment our service would be sustained,” said Morrill. Idaho PTV’s GM said state and federal funding helps secure the state public television network’s infrastructure. He pointed to a recent analysis indicating that while Idaho PTV maintains 48 transmitters or translator towers throughout Idaho, it receives a dramatically lower amount of government funding yet maintains more channels (seven) of programming, when compared to its peers. Meanwhile, Idaho PTV remains one of the most popular public television entities in the country. “We learned in our recent Nielsen ratings that we’re the second most watched PBS station, per capita, in the country,” said Morrill, referring to Idaho PTV’s ratings champs Downton Abbey, Antiques Roadshow and, of course, Sesame Street. “We seem to be appreciated,” he said. There’s also abundant audience appreciation at Boise State Public Radio, averaging approximately 100,000 listeners weekly. “Our station ranks among the highest stations in two key demographics; adults 18‐34 years old and 34‐54 years old,” said Hess. “We’re in the top two or three in those categories.” Equally important, Hess said, was Boise State Public Radio listener loyalty. “Radio is notorious for people who flip around the dial,” said Hess. “But when you talk to our listeners, you’ll hear that we’re the only station they tune to.” Not unlike Idaho PTV, Boise State Public Radio’s signal reaches deep into the Gem State. “Our coverage area is about the square mileage of Massachusetts,” said Hess, pointing to an audience that stretches beyond McCall and Salmon to the north, the Oregon border to the west, American Falls to the east and full coverage in the Magic and Wood River valleys. Hess, who is the president of the Western States Public Radio Group, said his colleagues are a bit nervous. “They don’t know what the future holds. Everything appears to be in a holding pattern until after the election,” he said. “Elections matter.” ‘Million Muppet March’ set for D.C. By: Patrick Gavin November 2, 2012 08:09 AM EDT Ever since Mitt Romney mentioned Big Bird during the first presidential debate, the topic of federal funds for public broadcasting has, to the surprise of many, become an election‐year issue. And, this weekend, a march in Washington seizes on the issue’s new saliency. The Million Muppet March kicks off Saturday on Capitol Hill and aims to drum up support for public media. id a h opt v.org
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“This is a fun event, we’re not trying to make it a political thing,” Michael Bellavia, one of the event’s organizers, told POLITICO. “We wanted to show that this is something that has a broad base of support.” They may not want the march to be political, but they’re aware that that’s an uphill climb. They expect other to people to dress up as, say, Sesame Street characters but event officials will not, as their March isn’t in association with PBS or the Henson Company. “We’ve heard through the grapevine that there are going to be employees who attend as private citizens,” said Bellavia. The March has attracted attention all around the world, including Japan and New Zealand, and is expecting a few thousand attendees, a smaller number than originally hoped thanks to Hurricane Sandy. And they’re ready for anyone ready to protest their message. “There are people like Michelle Malkin who were vociferous in their free market fetish and who think that any kind of federal funding of public media is entirely wrong,” said Chris Mecham, another event organizer. “If someone is so inclined to come out and protest a gaggle of puppets together, let them do so,” said Bellavia. “We’re just a puppet, not a punching bar,” said Mecham. The two, who describe their own politics as liberal, are confident that they can make the march bi‐partisan. They’ve received letters of support from Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Mike Simpson. “This has been a difficult political season and I, for one, am just ready for a break and I want to have some fun for a minute,” said Mecham. © 2012 POLITICO LLC ‘Idaho Reports’ looks at ballot measures tonight By Betsy Russell, Spokesman‐Review Nov. 1, 2012 Idaho Public TV’s “Idaho Reports” program will air an election special tonight focusing on the ballot measures before Idaho voters on Tuesday. Greg Hahn is the host, and he’ll interview state Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna and Centennial High School teacher Cindy Wilson on the school reform referenda. Also, I’ll join Greg and a pundits panel that also includes Michelle Edmonds from Today’s 6/Fox9 and Kevin Richert from the Idaho Statesman to discuss the ballot measures. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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(Editor’s Note: I have requested clarification and correction regarding stated General Fund information. My request is below the story, and below that is the amended story.) Public television plans to ask for funding increase from 2013 Legislature By Austin Hill November 2, 2012 http://www.idahoreporter.com/2012/public‐television‐plans‐to‐ask‐for‐funding‐increase‐from‐2013‐legislature/ Idaho Public Television (IPTV) is requesting an additional $1.5 million from Idaho taxpayers in the coming fiscal year. But at least one state legislator says it will be a tough sell for him to support such a request. “Idahoans enjoy public television, and that’s fine,” Rep. Steven Thayn, R‐Emmett, told Idaho Reporter.com, “but we should not be funding it with tax dollars. We have our funding priorities in Idaho, and this is definitely not one of my priorities.” IPTV is operating with slightly
Under its current budget, IPTV is operating with slightly more than $2.5 million from more than $2.5 million from the
the Idaho state general fund, which is an increase from the previous year when IPTV Idaho state general fund,
which is an increase from the
spent $2.3 million from the state. However, for fiscal year 2014 that begins in July previous year when IPTV
2013, IPTV has requested approximately $3.9 million in state tax dollars, clearly a spent $2.3 million from the
much larger increase than what it is currently utilizing. state.
IPTV broadcasts statewide from transmitters in Pocatello, Twin Falls, Moscow, Boise and Coeur d’Alene. Each transmitter provides four separate digital “HD” sub‐channels. Central studios are located in Boise, while remote studios are operated on the campuses of the University of Idaho and Idaho State University, where students can earn college credit for working at the studios. IPTV General Manager Peter Morrill told IdahoReporter.com that state and federal taxpayer dollars are important revenue sources for IPTV, but noted that those funds actually comprise only a minority of the operation’s annual budgets. “Sixty‐five percent of our budget generally comes from voluntary private donations,” Morrill said. “This includes pledge drive donations, grants from private foundations and underwriting from some corporations.” Twenty percent of the agency’s operating budget is funded from the Idaho state general fund, while the remaining 15 percent comes from federal government grants, according to Morrill. Morrill said that during the past several years, IPTV experienced an approximate 27 percent decrease in its funding from the state. However, the Legislature voted to increase the agency’s funding by about 15 percent in the last legislative session. Morrill also notes, however, that IPTV withstood an effort from Gov. Butch Otter to discontinue state funding altogether two years ago. “In 2010 the governor proposed the idea, but the Legislature did not agree with him,” Otter spokesperson Jon Hanian told Idaho Reporter.com. “The governor nonetheless recognized that public television is unique among agencies that receive state funds, in that they have the capacity to solicit for private donations,” he added. Thus, Otter signed legislation to expand the state tax credit for individuals and corporations who wish to donate to IPTV in an effort to incentivize voluntary contributions. Hanian would not say whether Otter might try again in his 2013 budget to wean IPTV off of state tax dollars. id a h opt v.org
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Morrill said that the spending increase for fiscal year 2014 is necessary because funding cuts in recent years forced the agency to forego replacing some physical assets that are subject to wearing out. Yet while deferring purchases of replacement equipment, IPTV has at the same time expanded its content production in the past two years. IPTV’s new “Idaho Legislature Live” service provides gavel‐to‐gavel coverage of the Idaho House and the Senate, along with coverage of other select proceedings at the Capitol. The content is distributed as a combination of web and broadcast video, and web‐based audio. Morrill noted that this new service cost the state broadcaster an additional $205,000 in 2010. It may be that the price tag of “Idaho Legislature Live” is being driven up by government officials themselves. Morrill, along with Idaho PTV Director of Finance Tim Tower, indicated that in 2011 the service cost about $215,000, and is likely on track for an annual increase of several thousand dollars. This additional cost, they noted, is because of the increased demand from public officials for recordings of the proceedings that are covered. Private individuals outside the government are charged $10 per recording, they said. November 2, 2012 Austin, I want to request clarification in your story on a few points regarding tax payer dollars from the General Fund. You have inadvertently included Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds into your General Fund calculations. ‐‐”Under its current budget, IPTV is operating with slightly more than $2.5 million from the Idaho state general fund…” The correct amount from General Fund is specifically: $1,587,000 as follows: General Fund Operating/Personnel $1,397,400 General Fund – One time equipment replacement $189,600 In addition, the Legislature appropriated dedicated funds for FY 13 granted to IdahoPTV from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Dedicated Funds – Corp for Public Broadcasting $965,700 ‐‐”…which is an increase from the previous year when IPTV spent $2.3 million from the state.” The correct amount from the FY 12 General Fund is specifically $1,377,000 as follows: General Fund Operating/Personnel $1,377,000 General Fund – One time equipment replacement $0 In addition, the Legislature appropriated dedicated funds for FY 12 granted to IdahoPTV from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Dedicated Funds – Corp for Public Broadcasting $926,200 ‐‐” However, for fiscal year 2014 that begins in July 2013, IPTV has requested approximately $3.9 million in state tax dollars, clearly a much larger increase than what it is currently utilizing.” The correct amount from the FY 14 General Fund request is specifically $2,828,800 as follows: General Fund Operating/Personnel $1,424,900 General Fund – One time equipment replacement $1,287,400 General Fund – Line Item – Legislature Live $116,500 G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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In addition, the appropriated dedicated fund request for FY 14 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Dedicated Funds – Corp for Public Broadcasting $989,100 If you have any questions, I am in the office today. Regards, Peter Morrill Amended Version: Public television plans to ask for funding increase from 2013 Legislature By Austin Hill November 2, 2012 http://www.idahoreporter.com/2012/public‐television‐plans‐to‐ask‐for‐funding‐increase‐from‐2013‐legislature/ Idaho Public Television (IPTV) is requesting an additional $1.5 million from Idaho taxpayers in the coming fiscal year. But at least one state legislator says it will be a tough sell for him to support such a request. “Idahoans enjoy public television, and that’s fine,” Rep. Steven Thayn, R‐Emmett, told Idaho Reporter.com, “but we should not be funding it with tax dollars. We have our funding priorities in Idaho, and this is definitely not one of my priorities.” IPTV is operating on more
than $2.5 million in state apUnder its current budget, IPTV is operating with slightly more than $2.5 million appropriated by the state of Idaho, which is an increase from the previous year when propriations, which represents
nearly an 11 percent increase
IPTV received $2.3 million in state appropriations. However, for fiscal year 2014 that from the previous year.
begins in July 2013, IPTV has requested an additional $1.4 million in state tax dollars, bringing their total appropriation request to approximately $3.9 million. IPTV broadcasts statewide from transmitters in Pocatello, Twin Falls, Moscow, Boise and Coeur d’Alene. Each transmitter provides four separate digital “HD” sub‐channels. Central studios are located in Boise, while remote studios are operated on the campuses of the University of Idaho and Idaho State University, where students can earn college credit for working at the studios. IPTV General Manager Peter Morrill told IdahoReporter.com that state and federal taxpayer dollars are important revenue sources for IPTV, but noted that those funds actually comprise only a minority of the operation’s annual budgets. “Sixty‐five percent of our budget generally comes from voluntary private donations,” Morrill said. “This includes pledge drive donations, grants from private foundations and underwriting from some corporations.” Twenty percent of the agency’s operating budget is funded from the Idaho state general fund, while the remaining 15 percent comes from federal government grants, according to Morrill. Morrill said that during the past several years, IPTV experienced an approximate 27 percent decrease in its funding from the state. However, the Legislature voted to increase the agency’s funding by about 15 percent in the last legislative session. Morrill also notes, however, that IPTV withstood an effort from Gov. Butch Otter to discontinue state funding altogether two years ago. id a h opt v.org
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“In 2010 the governor proposed the idea, but the Legislature did not agree with him,” Otter spokesperson Jon Hanian told Idaho Reporter.com. “The governor nonetheless recognized that public television is unique among agencies that receive state funds, in that they have the capacity to solicit for private donations,” he added. Thus, Otter signed legislation to expand the state tax credit for individuals and corporations who wish to donate to IPTV in an effort to incentivize voluntary contributions. Hanian would not say whether Otter might try again in his 2013 budget to wean IPTV off of state tax dollars. Morrill said that the spending increase for fiscal year 2014 is necessary because funding cuts in recent years forced the agency to forego replacing some physical assets that are subject to wearing out. Yet while deferring purchases of replacement equipment, IPTV has at the same time expanded its content production in the past two years. IPTV’s new “Idaho Legislature Live” service provides gavel‐to‐gavel coverage of the Idaho House and the Senate, along with coverage of other select proceedings at the Capitol. The content is distributed as a combination of web and broadcast video, and web‐based audio. Morrill noted that this new service cost the state broadcaster an additional $205,000 in 2010. It may be that the price tag of “Idaho Legislature Live” is being driven up by government officials themselves. Morrill, along with Idaho PTV Director of Finance Tim Tower, indicated that in 2011 the service cost about $215,000, and is likely on track for an annual increase of several thousand dollars. This additional cost, they noted, is because of the increased demand from public officials for recordings of the proceedings that are covered. Private individuals outside the government are charged $10 per recording, they said. Valley Times 11/5 Edition Editorial Response to Wayne Hoffman Column By Susan Giannettino, Chairman, Boise State Public Radio Community Advisory Board and Emily Walton, Community Advisory Board member and chairman of the Advocacy Committee October 30, 2012 http://www.valleytimesidaho.com/index.html This is offered to further the “discussion” Mr. Hoffman, Executive Director, Idaho Freedom Foundation, started with his column earlier this month. Let’s consider Big Bird a red herring in the discussion our country is having…or should have…regarding government services and programs and our national debt. Here is a different perspective and a few facts. None of us like the debt we’re in. Mr. Hoffman contends that “Romney used Big Bird as an anecdote to demonstrate his commitment to overturning every rock in response to the mounting government debt.” But let’s be realistic. Anyone who believes that eliminating 0.0001% of the federal budget (count the zeros in that figure) is going to make a difference in our national debt is simply bad at math. Actually, we would argue the investment of federal dollars in public broadcasting is the best kind of federal expenditure. The federal budget for public broadcasting represents an annual investment of $1.35 for every American. It is among the best uses of public money because IT IS LEVERAGED. For every dollar the federal government invests in public broadcasting, local communities (citizens, businesses) invest six. Name another federal program that inspires that kind of local support. And with six local dollars to every one federal dollar, there is a lot of local control. The feds do not control public broadcasting. id a h opt v.org
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Still, the dollars provided by Washington D.C. are important. Overall, about 15% of local public broadcasting station budgets come from the federal government. The percentage can reach 50‐60% in large rural states because those affiliates often have great territory to cover and a smaller population base to support local service. PBS chief executive Paula Kerger told CNN This Morning that if those stations were to lose federal funding they would go off the air. . What would the loss of federal funding mean in our state? Well for one thing, children would be deprived of the free educational programming that is recognized as some of the best in the world. Beyond Big Bird there are locally produced programs like Dialogue for Kids, that wouldn’t engage youngsters in conversations about math, science and literature. Adults would be denied access to local and national in‐depth reporting. Mr. Hoffman would argue that without public funding of such services, the market would provide. If only that were true. You need look no further than what’s happening to the newsrooms of newspapers and commercial television and radio stations in our own state. With smaller staff numbers there has been a steady decline in both the quality and quantity of news coverage. In some rural areas there is no local news media whatsoever. Public broadcasting fills that void. Public television and radio, with its locally produced content, is available to 98% of the U.S. population. Mr. Hoffman argues this is unnecessary because everyone has access to cable and satellite television, to smart phones and computers. But the truth falls somewhat short. Even basic cable is out of reach for many low income families. And smart phones? Well, let’s just say not every place in Idaho has 3G, much less 4G coverage. Though cable television does produce some wonderful and informative programming, it rarely strays into territory that would challenge the status quo of the commercial interests that make it possible. Only public broadcasting can do that. If there is one thing we would hope we can agree upon it is the value of a well‐informed electorate. That begins with educating our children and continues through adulthood. Public broadcasting, for generations now, has been entrusted with helping children learn. Polls also show that public broadcasting is also the most trusted source of news and information. More than 170 million Americans tune into public TV and radio every month – more than half the population. Clearly those people see the value of these services in their lives. So, all we ask is that you discount the easy jabs at Big Bird and public broadcasting. There is so much more to the story. Tell your Congressional delegation that public broadcasting has a place here in Idaho and across the country. Let them know that you don’t mind leveraging $1.35 a year of your tax dollars to insure that Big Bird and his friends have a home. Thank you. Time to release Big Bird from gov’t aid By Wayne Hoffman/Idaho Freedom Foundation October 12, 2012 http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2012/oct/12/hoffman‐down‐wbig‐bird‐friends/ Let’s consider Big Bird a canary in the coal mine of government waste. If Big Bird is still alive‐‐or at least still living off the government’s largess‐after the politicians have done their level best to slim down the government, it will be obvious that the grownups in Washington, D.C., haven’t gotten serious about deficit spending. All this to say Mitt Romney was partly correct about Big Bird when he brought up the Sesame Street character in the presidential debate recently. He actually didn’t go far enough, perhaps because of the constraints of the debate. Or id a h opt v.org
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because the position 1’d like him to take might be unpopular with people who believe they have a constitutional right to taxpayer‐supplied Muppets. (Hint: They don’t). Tax dollars should not go to support public television, or, by extension, Big Bird. Romney was, of course, correct that the government should be willing to cut PBS no matter how much we like Big Bird and all his cohorts. But Romney used Big Bird as an anecdote to demonstrate his commitment to overturning every rock in response to the mounting government debt. Romney’s critics were quick to note that the federal government’s support of PBS is teeny‐tiny, that the elimination of such will have a negligible impact on government spending, the annual deficit or the mounting national debt. Where Romney and I perhaps differ is that I would cut PBS even if the federal treasury were swimming in cash. Here’s why: In order to function, government must take money from taxpayers by force or the threat of force. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you fail to pay your taxes, you risk government sanctions. If you still refuse to pay, you risk loss of your livelihood, your property, your freedom. Therefore, every government endeavor must be prefaced with this question: “Is this expenditure so important that we as a civilized society are willing take their home or send them to jail to fund it?” In the case of government‐funded television, we’re saying that the programming provided through taxpayer support is so valuable, people should be compelled to surrender their earnings to fund it. And to Romney’s point, that we should be willing to borrow money from China, at the expense of our children and grandchildren, to fund the debt that comes from it. Americans have another limitation, the U.S. Constitution, that defines the role of the federal government to few and finite functions. Nowhere in the Constitution is Big Bird. It’s easy to scoff at that statement. How about this one: Nowhere in the Constitution is education. Nowhere. Such responsibilities were always meant to be the purview of the people and their respective states. But even if you don’t buy any of the above statements and you’re enamored with the “educational value” of government‐funded television‐it’s for the children, after all‐ I’d have to question the efficacy of a program designed for the 1960s still being operated in the 21st century: there is not reason for it. Today, kids and adults have myriad access to information that PBS was supposed to provide. Whether it’s a dozen science and history channels on cable television or an app on your phone that distils nuggets of news and information, government television is an anachronism. We fund it simply because we always have, because taxpayers are oblivious to it, and because politicians who bring it up invite criticism, as Romney did the other day. Debate Between Simpson And LeFavour Take On Debt, Jobs And Fair Pay By ADAM COTTERELL http://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/post/debate‐between‐simpson‐and‐lefavour‐take
‐debt‐jobs‐and‐fair‐pay In Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District race Sunday it came down to the national debt verses jobs. id a h opt v.org
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Longtime incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Simpson and Democratic challenger state Senator Nicole LeFavour debated from the State Capitol on Idaho Public Television. Simpson frequently turned the topic back to what he says is the nation’s most pressing problem; reducing the debt. “I don’t know if anyone has a grasp of what $16 trillion is,” Simpson said. “But I will tell Credit Kevin Rank /
you, if we don’t solve this problem we won’t have to worry about Medicare or Social Idaho Reports, IPTV
Security or military, we won’t have to worry about the EPA or anything else because the country will fail. We will be Greece. That means we have to make some tough choices.” LeFavour tried to keep the focus on how budget cuts affect people’s lives. She called jobs and wages the fundamental problem of the economy. She then listed groups she said would be hurt by the kind of budget cuts Simpson advocates. Those included college students faced with loan debt, and small businesses. “We have to look at the way cuts to education and Medicaid hurt schools and raise taxes,” LeFavour said. “But we have to keep seniors secure, we have an obligation. And for those who are in generations like my own, we have to promise that we’re not going to be working in low wage jobs until the day we die.” LeFavour repeatedly tried to tie Simpson to the austere budget championed by Republican Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan. Simpson countered saying he favored the more moderate Simpson‐Bowles plan that includes budget cuts and increasing taxes. Women’s issues were also a key back and forth in the debate. It started with a question about the gender pay gap from StateImpact Idaho’s Emilie Ritter Saunders. LeFavour began to attack Simpson’s record even suggesting he lacked respect for women. LeFavour pointed out that Simpson had been calling her Nicole during the debate. “Congressman, you’ve chosen to call me by my first name and I am a sitting senator and I serve in this building and have for eight years,” she said. “And I think the issue of respect is an important one. You were a co‐sponsor of a bill which redefined and weakened the definition of rape down to forcible rape.” LeFavour then said Simpson had been part of a trend in congress of disrespect for women. Simpson distanced himself from some of the most socially conservative members of his party. He did say he was proud to be pro‐life and defended the bill LeFavour mentioned because it restricted circumstances in which taxpayer money could go towards abortion. But he said he did not know at first that inserting the term “forcible” would exclude some kinds of rape. “We went to the sponsor of the bill and said take that out. And they did. And it passed congress without that language in there,’ he said. “So to try to tie me to statements made by some other Republicans is just, is just beyond the pale…senator.” You can listen to the entire debate between Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District candidates on KBSX 91.5 Tuesday night at 7:00. Simpson, LeFavour face off in debate Posted by Betsy Oct. 29, 2012 7:44 a.m. 2nd District GOP Rep. Mike Simpson and his Democratic challenger, state Sen. Nicole LeFavour, debated on live TV last night in the “Idaho id a h opt v.org
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Debates.” You can watch the full debate online here. The two clashed over women’s issues, from pay inequity to lawmakers’ comments about rape. “For many women it’s been a rough year to watch Congress,” LeFavour told Simpson, “and I’m sorry you have participated in that.” He responded, “I’m sorry you feel that way, because it’s absolutely not true.” Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker has a full report on the debate here. The two also debated deficit reduction, energy funding and the Idaho National Laboratory, jobs, forest fire management and more. Simpson is a seventh‐term congressman and former Idaho House speaker who chairs a key House appropriations subcommittee. LeFavour is an outspoken fourth‐term state lawmaker who’s served two terms in the Idaho House and two in the Senate; click below for a profile of the race by AP reporter John Miller. Debate between Rep. Simpson and State Sen. LeFavour focuses on women Challenger Nicole LeFavour presses Mike Simpson on the economy, Lily Ledbetter and his voting record. By ROCKY BARKER — [email protected] Published: October 29, 2012 http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/29/2326944/debate‐focuses‐on‐women.html Democrat Nicole LeFavour sought to paint Republican incumbent Mike Simpson as a man who doesn’t respect the needs of women voters Sunday night. The four‐term state senator and representative said that Idaho has one of the highest levels of pay inequity of any state and that Simpson isn’t doing anything to address it. In the Idaho Public Television debate, she pointed to Simpson’s vote against the Lily Ledbetter bill that removed the statute of limitations on bringing pay‐
discrimination lawsuits. But it was LeFavour’s personal criticisms — she also complained that he called her by her first name instead of “Senator” — that made Simpson roll his eyes and chastise her for her comments on rape. LeFavour said Simpson co‐sponsored an anti‐abortion bill that would have redefined and weakened the exception for rape by changing it to “forcible rape.” “For many women it’s been a rough year to watch Congress,” she said, “and I’m sorry you have participated in that.” “I’m sorry you feel that way, because it’s absolutely not true,” Simpson said. He said he did support stopping federal funding of abortion. But when he saw the bill’s language on forcible rape, it stopped him. “I thought rape by definition is forcible,” Simpson said. Simpson said he went to leadership and had the language removed. “To try to tie me to statements made by other Republicans is just beyond the pale, Senator,” Simpson replied. LeFavour challenged Simpson’s reputation for seeking bipartisan and moderate solutions, such as his effort to reduce the federal budget deficit with both spending cuts and additional revenue. She pointed to his opposition to the stimulus package and health care reform, and his support for the Rep. Paul Ryan‐authored budget solution, as examples of partisan voting. id a h opt v.org
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Simpson said then‐Speaker Nancy Pelosi put the Ledbetter bill up for a vote three days after it was introduced, with no hearings or chance for amendments. “How can I represent my constituents when I can’t even propose amendments?” Simpson asked. The two disagreed most on how to control the deficit and improve the economy. Simpson said it’s critical that Congress get the $1.3 trillion deficit under control with cuts, entitlement reforms and new revenue generated by lowering tax rates and eliminating tax breaks. If we don’t, Simpson warned, “We will be Greece.” LeFavour said Congress needs to create more jobs to spur the economy, instead of lowering taxes for people on Wall Street. She pointed to cuts at the Idaho National Laboratory as an example of how Idahoans already have been hurt. “They simply are going to shift taxes to your family here in the state,” she told the debate audience. Rocky Barker: 377‐6484 Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/29/2326944/debate‐focuses‐on‐
women.html#storylink=cpy LeFavour won TV debate over Simpson but few were watching Submitted by Rocky Barker on Mon, 10/29/2012 ‐ 8:56am, updated on Mon, 10/29/2012 ‐ 9:00am From simply a style aspect I give the Idaho Public Television debate to Senator Nicole LeFavour over Mike Simpson. Simpson is usually relaxed in these television debates in part because he has the facts at his fingertips and humor on his side. But this time LeFavour’s calm earnest demeanor combined with her sharp attacks on Simpson’s record on women’s issues threw him off his game. See my story in the Idaho Statesman for details. In a relatively cold venue he could be seen wiping sweat from his brow. He appeared angry went LeFavour attempted to paint him with other Republicans’ rape definition language he said he helped kill. The split screen showed him roll his eyes when LeFavour said his disrespect for women was demonstrated by his calling her by her first name instead of Senator. If you don’t agree with my call watch the while debate yourself and decide. Add your comments. Her goal was to bring back the Democrats and moderate independents who have long voted for Simpson because of his bipartisan record on education and environmental issues. The 2nd Congressional District has shifted, picking up more voters in Democratic Boise. Election night will show if she makes inroads but she still has an uphill battle as John Miller’s Associated Press story shows. Simpson anti‐abortion position is one of the places where he fits in with his eastern Idaho Republican base. And his defense of the Ryan budget, with its cuts to Medicare and Medicaid place him in the mainstream of his party. id a h opt v.org
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But Simpson still showed several times he doesn’t share the anti‐government fervor of Tea Party Republicans. I he does have command of the budget numbers. “You could eliminate government and you couldn’t get rid of the deficit,” Simpson said. Ultimately, the impact is not like the presidential debates. The Idaho Public Television debate was up against the Giants’ sweeping victory in the World Series and Sunday Night Football that was enough to keep even political junkies from watching it. Times‐News’ Davlin Panelist at Simpson, LeFavour Debate October 27, 2012 2:00 am • Times‐News http://magicvalley.com/news/local/times‐news‐davlin‐panelist‐at‐simpson‐lefavour‐debate/article_176baf0a‐
ed39‐5a61‐b003‐9eb38c8c74f7.html?comment_form=true BOISE • Candidates for Idaho’s second congressional district will debate on Sunday in the Idaho Capitol Building Senate auditorium. The debate between U.S. Rep. MikeSimpson, R‐Idaho, and State Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D‐Boise, airs 7 p.m. Sunday on Idaho Public Television. The reporter panel includes Times‐News reporter Melissa Davlin, Post Register reporter Clark Corbin and Boise State Public Radio StateImpact reporterEmilie Ritter‐Saunders. Idaho Reports host Greg Hahn will moderate. Labrador: Raise retirement age to 70 Betsy Z. Russell The Spokesman‐Review October 26, 2012 http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/26/labrador‐raise‐retirement‐
age‐70/ Idaho Public Television photo
Democratic challenger Jimmy Farris,
BOISE ‐ Idaho GOP Rep. Raul Labrador wants to raise the Social Security left, and GOP Congressman Raul
retirement age to 70, cut a third of the staff at the Pentagon and ban all Labrador, right, shake hands after a
abortions other than those to save the life of the mother. lively debate on live statewide TV on
Thursday night.
The freshman congressman took all three stands during a debate broadcast live Thursday night on Idaho Public Television. His Democratic challenger, Jimmy Farris, differed sharply on the retirement age and abortion, but found common ground with Labrador on trimming military spending. “I think there are a number of places that we would agree and admit that we can find savings,” Farris said. “If Pentagon staff is one of them, I’d certainly like to look at it.” The two faced off in the “Idaho Debates,” a three‐decade‐plus tradition in Idaho political races. The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Idaho Press Club and Idaho Public TV, and are broadcast live across the state. id a h opt v.org
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“I went to Washington and I promised you two years ago that I would fight for less spending, less government, less regulation, and I would fight to make Idaho a stronger place,” Labrador said. “I think I have kept that promise.” Farris, a former NFL football player and first‐time candidate, said he wants to bring a new spirit of teamwork to Congress. “One of the biggest problems in Congress right now is the inability of members to work together, no matter what we put on the table,” he said. Asked about Social Security and Medicare, Labrador said, “People like myself ‐ I’m 44 years old ‐ I need to realize that I’m going to have a different program than exists today. And I think one of the first things we need to do is start increasing the age of retirement. I think that by itself could help us with the solvency of both programs.” He added, “There’s been some discussion about raising it all the way to the age of 70, and I don’t have a problem with that.” When Medicare and Social Security were first started, he said, “We … actually had much less longevity than we have today.” Farris responded, “I disagree with the congressman on raising the retirement age. We can make one simple fix with Social Security that would maintain its solvency for the next 75 to 100 years, and that’s simply raising the income cap.” Farris called for raising the current $110,100 cap on income that’s taxed for Social Security to $150,000 or more. “That would provide significantly more revenue coming into the Social Security fund,” he said. On military spending, Labrador, who’s been helping GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney campaign to Hispanic voters around the country, departed from Romney’s position. Romney is calling for increasing military spending to a minimum of 4 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product from the current 3.5 percent, a significant increase. “I have talked to people that work in the Pentagon and they say that we could actually cut about a third of the staff in the Pentagon and we could still have military readiness taken care of,” Labrador said. “I actually disagree with Mr. Romney, even though I support him 100 percent.” The congressman said shortly after taking office, he went on a trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. “We were looking at all the money that was being spent in the war, and specifically programs with USAID and other programs where we were trying to help the people of Afghanistan,” he said. “We had billions and billions and billions of dollars in fraud, waste and abuse. We were handing cash to some of the tribal lords in Afghanistan. … You cannot tell me there’s not enough cutting that we can do.” He added, “There are a lot of things that the military keeps telling us that they don’t need. I want to listen to the generals, I want to listen to the people on the ground.” Farris said, “I think Raul makes a good point about military spending. One of the ways that we appropriate money to the military is basically to give them a number and say, ‘Buy whatever you can with it.’ … I think we can change the way we appropriate money in the defense budget.” Labrador said he wouldn’t fire a third of the staff at the Pentagon; he’d make the cuts through attrition, as people retire. Labrador, who has co‐sponsored five bills in Congress to restrict abortion rights, including one to grant full constitutional rights at conception without exception, also departed from Romney’s stance on abortion. “I support banning all abortions except for cases of life of the mother,” he said. id a h opt v.org
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Romney wants a ban with exceptions also for cases of rape or incest. Asked why he didn’t support that, Labrador said, “I think life begins at conception, so I believe it’s important that we protect life.” But he said if a bill with Romney’s three exceptions came before Congress, he’d support it. “I believe life is precious,” Labrador said. Farris said, “This is an issue where we strongly disagree. I do support a woman’s right to choose what happens to her body. … I don’t think it’s the government’s place to be making decisions for women about their health care.” Labrador, Farris Debate For Spot In Congress By SCOTT GRAF The two men running for Congress in Idaho’s 1st Congressional district debated last night in Boise. Democrat Jimmy Farris is a 34‐year‐old former pro football player challenging freshman Republican Raul Labrador. The two spent much of their hour‐long debate on Idaho Public Television talking about tax reform and ways to solve the federal government’s budget problems. Credit Greg Hahn/IPTV /
Labrador suggested cutting a third of Pentagon staff as a means of saving money. Idaho Public Television
Farris agreed with the notion, saying the military could still be effective with less Democrat Jimmy Farris (left)
funding. That was one of the very few points the two agreed on. and Republican Raul Labrador share a lighter moment
at the end of their debate
They disagreed on other ways to balance the budget, what to do about Social Thursday night in Boise.
Security, abortion rights as well as other issues. When asked why Idaho voters should elect such an inexperienced politician, Farris tried to make his recent entrance into politics a positive. The Lewiston native says he hasn’t made the bad decisions he thinks Labrador made in his first term. “Because what I don’t have is experience blowing up the deficit,” Farris said. “I don’t have experience cutting jobs like Congressman Labrador has. I don’t have experience gutting education the way that Congressman Labrador has.” Labrador took exception with Farris’ comments ‐ particularly the part about cutting jobs. “Since I went to Washington D.C., the unemployment rate in Idaho and nationally has actually dropped,” Labrador responded. “So I don’t know where he’s getting this information that I have cut jobs. We’ve actually increased jobs since this freshman class went to Washington DC.” The two were less than cordial at times. At one point, Farris became upset when he felt Labrador was lecturing him. Labrador responded by saying he could lecture the younger candidate “anytime”. The full debate will be rebroadcast here on KBSX 91.5 Monday at 7:00 p.m. id a h opt v.org
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Labrador, Farris get testy in debate Published: October 26, 2012 By MEGHANN M. CUNIFF — [email protected] Voters were treated to a spirited debate Thursday night between 1st Congressional District Rep. Raul Labrador, R‐
Idaho, and his Democratic challenger, Jimmy Farris. Farris criticized Labrador for signing a pledge offered by anti‐tax activist Grover Norquist to never vote for a tax increase. Farris said that pledge prohibits Labrador from supporting bipartisan budget balancing bills like the legislation proposed by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. But Labrador said the plan simply isn’t the right one for the country. Fielding questions from three panelists, including Idaho Statesman reporter Dan Popkey, Labrador said he supports across‐the‐board budget cuts, including to military spending. He said he doesn’t agree with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s proposal to increase defense spending and said personnel at the Pentagon could be cut by a third and still function normally. “We need to realize that we have the biggest, most powerful military in the world, and we can do a lot more with less money,” Labrador said. “You cannot tell me that there’s not enough cutting that we can do.” Farris said Labrador’s claims of bipartisanship are false and said he’s on the far right of his party. The two at times were sharply critical of each other, with Labrador pointing to what he called Farris’ false claims of wanting to work with Republicans. “You keep saying you can work with Republicans. You don’t even listen to the Republicans,” Labrador said. “I had respect for Walt Minnick,” he continued, referring to the Democratic congressman he beat in the 2008 election. “You don’t have any respect.” Farris said he doesn’t disrespect Labrador — he just deeply disagrees with him. “I respect all people,” Farris said. Farris said his lack of political experience is a good thing “because what I don’t have is experience blowing up the deficit” and contributing to gridlock and partisan bickering. Labrador said he supports overhauling the Medicare and Social Security systems to ensure the funds remain for future generations. He said he supports increasing the retirement age. If nothing’s done, Medicare will go bankrupt in 10 years and Social Security will disappear in 20, Labrador said. Farris said he doesn’t support raising the retirement age but wants to raise the amount of income that’s taxable for Social Security from $110,000. The bipartisan legislation supported by Labrador calls for the taxable income to cap at $190,000. Labrador said he supports banning abortion unless the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life. When pressed, Labrador said he would vote for an anti‐abortion bill that includes that exception as well as exceptions for rape and incest, because he estimated about 75 percent of the country supports those exceptions. But he said he doesn’t want to include a punitive aspect for women who do seek abortion. “I don’t want to punish the women,” Labrador said. “I want to punish the providers.” id a h opt v.org
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Farris said he does not support such restrictions on abortion. He said his priorities if elected will be education reform and immigration reform. Labrador said he want to change the tax code to lower the tax rate and reform the regulatory system to make it easier for small businesses to do well. Meghann M. Cuniff: 377‐6418 Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/26/2324024/labrador‐farris‐get‐testy‐in‐
debate.html#storylink=cpy Labrador, Farris face off in lively debate Posted by Betsy Oct. 25, 2012 9:41 p.m. http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/25/labrador‐farris‐face‐lively‐debate/ 1st District GOP Congressman Raul Labrador and Democratic challenger Jimmy Farris faced off in a lively debate tonight on Idaho Public Television. Among the highlights: Labrador called for raising the retirement age for Social Security to 70 and cutting a third of the staff at the Pentagon; and said he backs banning all abortions except to save the life of the mother. Farris opposed raising the retirement age and instead called for raising the cap on earnings taxed for Social Security; and agreed with Labrador that cuts in defense spending could reduce waste. Labrador said, “The first decision I made in Congress was to actually listen to Walt Minnick,” his Democratic predecessor, who urged him to hire his constituent services chief. “She has been the best decision I made as a congressman,” Labrador said. Eye On Boise It’s Debates Week in Idaho’s congressional races… By Betsy Russell Oct. 23, 2012 http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/23/its‐debates‐week‐idahos‐congressional‐races/ It’s debates week in Idaho’s congressional races, with two debates scheduled tonight, one on Thursday, and another on Sunday. 1st District GOP Congressman Raul Labrador and his Democratic challenger, Jimmy Farris, will face off at 7 tonight on KTVB‐TV’s 24/7 channel, and again in the Idaho Debates on Thursday on Idaho Public Television. Thursday’s debate will air live statewide, starting at 8 p.m. Mountain time, 7 p.m. Pacific; the hour‐long debate will take place before a live audience in the Capitol Auditorium on the lower level of the state Capitol. The public is invited, with seating on a first‐come, first‐served basis; the doors will close several minutes before the debate begins. Those interested in attending are advised to arrive early. The Idaho Debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Idaho Press Club and Idaho Public Television, along with an array of other sponsors; they’ve been a tradition in Idaho election contests for more than three decades. 2nd District GOP Congressman Mike Simpson and his Democratic challenger, Nicole LeFavour, also will debate tonight on KTVB’s 24/7 channel, starting at 8 p.m. They’ll face off again in the Idaho Debates on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. That matchup also will take place before a live audience in the Capitol Auditorium. id a h opt v.org
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Public TV Series Opens Season with City of Rocks Footage October 18, 2012 http://magicvalley.com/lifestyles/recreation/public‐tv‐series‐opens‐season‐with‐city‐of‐rocks‐footage/
article_954a0e4f‐0127‐5830‐8181‐a0bbc419f051.html ALMO • Idaho Public Television’s “Outdoor Idaho” series will open its 30th anniversary season tonight with a “Climbing Idaho” episode on people who scale sheer heights or wrestle with boulders for the fun of it. Featuring rock climbers at City of Rocks National Reserve and elsewhere around the state, “Climbing Idaho” premieres at 8 p.m. Oct. 18 and repeats at 7 p.m. Oct. 21. “Idaho is home to some world‐class rock climbing and bouldering. It was a fun and challenging show to produce that took a lot of planning, patience and physical endurance, especially for videographers Pat Metzler and Jay Krajic, who had to follow climbers up the rock,” producer Sauni Symonds said in a release. Cameras follow climbers into City of Rocks, up the basalt cliffs near Boise, up boulders at Swan Falls on the Snake River, up Elephants Perch in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and up Chimney Rock in the Selkirk Range in northern Idaho. The episode looks at the history of climbing in Idaho, the people who popularized the activity and the sport’s language, equipment, strategies, techniques and physical requirements. The show is available after today’s premiere to stream online at idahoptv.org and on the PBS app for iOS devices. Makin’ tracks: climbing, wildlife habitat, kid Halloween fun, biking and hiking Published: October 17, 2012 Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/10/17/2732663/makin‐tracks.html#storylink=cpy Idaho Public Television’s Outdoor Idaho will premiere “Climbing Idaho,” Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. and repeat it Sunday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. Cameras follow climbers into southern Idaho’s City of Rocks, up the basalt cliffs near Boise, up boulders at Swan Falls on the Snake River, up Elephants Perch in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and up Chimney Rock in the Selkirk Range in northern Idaho. The episode looks at the history of climbing in Idaho, the people who popularized the sport, the language, equipment, strategies, techniques and physical requirements of climbing. When people talk back, VanderSloot gets peeved Posted: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 7:16 pm, Tue Oct 16, 2012. By Marty Trillhaase, Editorial Page Editor What’s this? Eastern Idaho gazillionaire Frank VanderSloot grumbling about being outspent by folks trying to defeat the Luna laws? id a h opt v.org
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“Idahoans have always believed in fairness. And this is not a fair fight,” VanderSloot said Sunday in a full‐page newspaper advertisement ‐ his fourth ‐ published throughout the state. Fair? Was it fair in the 1990s for VanderSloot to dump thousands of unanswered dollars into a campaign to intimidate Idaho Public Television from broadcasting a fairly mild program about teaching children who are being raised by gay parents? Was it fair for VanderSloot to deposit $50,000 into a last‐minute smear campaign against Idaho Supreme Court Justice Cathy Silak in the 2000 election? How fair was it two years later when VanderSloot evaded campaign spending limits and funneled $35,000 toward Republican attorney general candidate Lawrence Wasden and then spent another $18,000 bad‐mouthing Wasden’s Democratic opponent, Keith Roark? In 2006, was it fair when VanderSloot and his wife Belinda invested $15,000 defeating a judge they deemed unfriendly? How about two years ago when VanderSloot spent $42,000 in order to stop then‐2nd District Judge John Bradbury’s campaign for the Idaho Supreme Court? Or his attempt to conceal his involvement in that enterprise until Secretary of State Ben Ysursa started nosing around? How fair was that? And is it fair that by contributing $1 million ‐ or more ‐ to Mitt Romney’s presidential run, VanderSloot can expect to get his calls to the White House answered while you’ll have to settle for a form letter? But now somebody is talking back to VanderSloot. Millions of teachers across the country have banded together to urge Idahoans to defeat schools Superintendent Tom Luna’s laws undermining collective bargaining, imposing merit pay and steering dollars from the classroom teacher toward out‐of‐state, for‐profit providers of online instruction. The National Education Association’s 3.1 million members have contributed ‐ so far ‐ about $1 million. The Idaho Education Association’s 11,500 members have kicked in another $280,000. So far, they have outspent the Luna laws’ supporters. YES for Idaho Education, Parents for Education Reform and the Idaho Federation of Republican Women have raised $501,000. Of that amount, VanderSloot has raised almost one‐third ‐ to say nothing of $20,000 a week he’s spending on newspaper advertising. A shadowy group ‐ Education Voters of Idaho ‐ has refused to say where its $200,000 came from. Two of Idaho’s savviest political operators, former Rep. Debbie Field, R‐Boise, and former congressional aide John Foster, formed the group for that very purpose. Then factor in the other heavy hitters; Hagadone Hospitality, $15,000; the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry’s PAC, $20,500; the Idaho Republican Party, $10,000; and $23,000 from nearly 20 GOP legislators or legislative campaigns. But they can’t keep up with 3.1 million teachers each providing what it would cost them to buy a newspaper or a soda pop ‐ or 11,500 Idaho teachers contributing the equivalent of a fast‐food meal. id a h opt v.org
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So VanderSloot has a grievance. He’s told the Idaho Statesman’s Dan Popkey he intends to redouble his efforts. “We knew they were spending a lot of money. We didn’t know how much,” he said. “There’s no way we can match that, but we are going to enter the fight.” In other words, when one man whose vast assets are exceeded only by his ideological ardor single‐handedly weighs in on an election, that’s fair. But when thousands, even millions, of ordinary, middle‐class teachers get in his way, that’s not fair. Got it? ‐ M.T. Boisean helps organize Million Muppet March Boisean Chris Mecham hopes adults and
children will participate in the Million Muppet
March Nov. 3. The puppet-themed march
aims to rally support for PBS.
Published: October 15, 2012 http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/15/2310488/boisean‐helps‐
organize‐million.html By KATY MOELLER — [email protected] Chris Mecham doesn’t have a TV antenna or cable, so he watched the first presidential debate via live streaming video on a computer at his Boise Bench home. Mitt Romney’s promise to end federal subsidies to PBS — despite his affection for Big Bird — ruffled Mecham’s feathers. The 46‐year‐old Boise State University student grew up with “Sesame Street,” and he’s a believer in the public broadcasting’s mission to help educate young children. “I was 2 years old the year ‘Sesame Street’ came on,” he said Sunday. “We lived in a white‐and‐pink trailer on the Utah State University campus, where my dad was studying mechanical engineering.” He believes Romney was pandering to conservatives when he invoked Big Bird. “Big Bird was just code for socialist indoctrination. It made me furious,” said Mecham, noting that he’d just finished reading Barry Goldwater’s “The Conscience of the Conservative.” During the Oct. 3 debate, he threw up a Facebook page advertising a “Million Muppet March” and sent invitations to all his friends. “I wanted to express my opinion in a way that was productive, and more positive,” he said. Within minutes, the page had a couple hundred “likes,” meaning viewers support it. Mecham also received a message from a PBS fan in Los Angeles named Michael Bellavia. Bellavia, president of the animation studio Animax Entertainment, told Mecham that he had bought the Web address www.millionmuppetmarch.com — and he wanted to organize a real rally, not just a virtual one. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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The two men, who spoke on the phone the night of the debate, decided to team up in organizing a puppet‐
themed rally in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 3. “We’ll create the biggest digital show of support we can, as well as an action in Washington,” Mecham said. “Hopefully, people on both sides of the (political) aisle will see that there are people who support this particular institution.” Mecham plans to stay with his cousin in Washington. He encourages those who can’t travel to the nation’s capitol are encouraged to hold rallies — bringing sock puppets or wearing Big Bird costumes — in their own communities. The social media campaign has picked up steam, and now the Million Muppet March page on Facebook has nearly 18,500 “likes.” Mecham became a public figure overnight, fielding calls from media outlets across the globe, including Reuters, the Hollywood Reporter and The Guardian newspaper in London. “Someplace in New Zealand wants to talk to us,” he said. Mecham said he has had to delete some hate speech against President Barack Obama on the march’s Facebook page. He said posts that used the “N word” appeared after Drudge Report linked to the Reuters story about the march. Mecham has also taken some verbal abuse by anonymous commenters online. “I’ve been told that I need to move out of my parents’ basement and to get a real job,” he said. Mecham, who grew up in a Mormon family in Idaho Falls, said he owns his own house and car. He’s previously worked as a writer, and he shares some of the highs and lows of his life, including gaining sobriety after drug addiction, in a blog titled “The Last Chance Texaco.” He is currently studying political science at Boise State but would like to work in counseling or behavioral research. Mecham said there are some issues he cares deeply about, but this is the first time he’s become a vocal activist. He’s been surprised at reaction in social media. “Watching the whole thing explode. It’s like going off the rails on a crazy train,” he said. Katy Moeller: 377‐6413 Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/15/2310488/boisean‐helps‐organize‐
million.html#storylink=cpy ‘Million Muppet March’ Planned in Washington D.C. to Support Public Broadcasting 7:14 PM PDT 10/12/2012 by Erik Hayden, Hollywood Reporter http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/million‐muppet‐march‐planned‐washington‐big‐bird‐378777 In response to Mitt Romney’s “Big Bird” remarks about cutting public funding to PBS, two organizers have planned an impromptu gathering at the capital’s National Mall on Nov. 3. On Saturday, Nov. 3, Chris Mecham and Michael Bellavia will likely be holding signs in Washington D.C.’s National Mall that read, respectively, “I am Bert” and “I am Ernie.” G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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They hope you join them. The duo were brought together after Mitt Romney infamously uttered the words “Big Bird” during the first presidential debate. Now they’re organizing the Million Muppet March to show solidarity for “keeping full employment for all Muppets” by continuing public broadcasting funding ‐‐ which Romney plans to axe if elected. Bellavia and Mecham described to The Hollywood Reporter their impromptu plans for the assembly, to be held on the National Mall at the nation’s capital. Even “if it’s just the two of us with puppets in Washington D.C., I’m happy,” said Bellavia, president of Animax Entertainment. Bellavia, based in Los Angeles, and Mecham, a writer and student at Boise State in Idaho, both had the idea of creating a Million Muppet March after Romney’s remark. After finding out that the other person had already created a web presence for the event (Reuters noted that Bellavia bought the domain name for the March while Mecham created a Facebook page) they decided to cooperate to make it a reality. “Niether of us is a community organizer,” Bellavia said. But, if “likes” are any indication, they might be getting some company in the capital: more than 11,000 people have given the thumbs up on the event’s official Facebook page, and 440+ people have RSVP’d for the event on the social‐networking site so far. “The route is to be finalized early next week but the aim is to gather on the Mall likely near the Smithsonian and walk with puppets in tow to the western grassy area by the Capitol building,” Bellavia noted. “The ultimate mission is to show support for public media and public broadcasting,” he said. Though public broadcasters like PBS, which airs Sesame Street, have been in the crosshairs of budget hawks, Romney’s “Big Bird” comment regnited the debate about continued funding. President Obama’s campaign has even aired an ad starring Big Bird that mocked Romney for cracking down on Sesame Street instead of Wall Street. STORY: Mitt Romney Says ‘I Love Big Bird,’ But Threatens PBS Funding Cuts in Debate Mecham, who will be visiting the nation’s capital for the first time, hopes that the March will draw “everyone from the young families with kids who understand the value of PBS Kids television programming, to retirees‐‐the generation of citizens that built America’s public broadcasting network and who know its value to democracy and to national security.” “We also want puppets there. And people dressed in full mascot outfits,” Bellavia added. ‘Million Muppet March’ Planned To Defend PBS After Romney Big Bird Comments Reuters | Posted: 10/12/2012 6:34 pm EDT Updated: 10/13/2012 1:20 pm EDT By Daniel Trotta Oct 12 (Reuters) ‐ Plans to save Big Bird, the fuzzy yellow character on U.S. public television’s “Sesame Street,” from possible extinction are taking shape in the form of a puppet‐based protest next month dubbed the “Million Muppet March.” id a h opt v.org
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The demonstration is planned for Nov. 3 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., three days before the general election. Before the presidential debate between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney had concluded on Oct. 3, two men who had never met each floated the Million Muppet March idea on social media. They immediately united to defend public broadcasting. Romney pledged during the debate to end the U.S. federal government’s subsidy for the Public Broadcasting Service despite his professed love for Big Bird, one of the characters on PBS’s 43‐year‐old children’s educational program “Sesame Street,” which features the Muppets. Michael Bellavia, 43, an animation executive from Los Angeles, and Chris Mecham, 46, a university student in Idaho, separately came up with the Million Muppet March idea in response. Big Bird, played by actor Carroll Spinney in an 8‐foot (2.5‐metre) bird costume, is strictly speaking not a member of the group of puppet characters known as the Muppets. Bellavia bought the Internet address www.millionmuppetmarch.com during the debate and discovered Mecham had already started a Facebook page by the same name. Within 30 minutes of the end of the debate they were on the phone with each other, planning the march. “I figured, why just make it a virtual show of support? Why not take this opportunity because it seemed like there was already a growing interest in it and actually make it an active, participatory event,” Bellavia said. “I literally just said, ‘It’s happening.’” Both men consider themselves fans of “Sesame Street,” perhaps the best‐known program on PBS, which received $445 million of $3.8 trillion in federal budget outlays in 2012. Coming from rural Idaho, Mecham said he was aware how important public broadcasting was in sparsely populated areas that receive no other signals over the air. “Romney was using Muppets as a rhetorical device to talk about getting rid of public broadcasting, which is really so much bigger than Sesame Street,” Mecham said. “While he was still talking I was thinking of ways I could express my frustration at that argument. Before the debates were over I had put up the Million Muppet March Facebook page.” The two men said they immediately decided to work together. Mecham is a writer who is studying political science at Boise State University out of his interest in healthcare policy. Bellavia is president of the animation studio Animax Entertainment, founded by former Second City actor Dave Thomas. They may fall short of attracting a million people, or Muppets, to the event, but they do hope to create what Bellavia called a “lovefest” featuring skits and musical performances with Muppets. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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“It does seem like we might get close to the biggest ever assemblage of puppets in one place,” he said, “and probably the most ever puppets marching on Washington.” The Million Man March was a gathering held on the National Mall on Oct. 16, 1995 to promote civil rights, with an emphasis on African Americans, and was led by rights advocate Louis Farrakhan. (Editing by Eric Walsh) Romney’s Pledge Puts Focus on Public TV By BRIAN STELTER and ELIZABETH JENSEN Published: October 11, 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/us/politics/romneys‐pledge‐puts‐public‐television‐in‐spotlight.html?
_r=1&src=rechp It has been a strange week for public television executives. Meetings have been postponed. Trips have been canceled. And conversations have turned in urgency to, of all things, Big Bird. The turn of events can be traced to Mitt Romney’s pledge at the Oct. 3 presidential debate to “stop the subsidy to PBS,” and the subsequent political jousting between him and President Obama over the fate of the iconic “Sesame Street” character. The give‐and‐take has brought new attention to the public financing of television and radio and has elevated it to an election issue, much to the dismay of PBS and local stations that say they are nonpartisan and would like to stay that way. The public broadcasting budget has long been a target of Republicans in Congress, most famously when Newt Gingrich called for the privatization of PBS in 1994. Paula A. Kerger, the PBS chief executive, however, said she could not recall a time when a presidential candidate had opposed the financing in so public a forum. “We sprang into action quickly,” said Ms. Kerger, who “dropped everything” the day after the debate to answer questions from the news media. Both the Obama and Romney campaigns see political advantages in the conversation over whether the government should help pay for radio and television programming. It allows Mr. Romney to portray himself as a budget‐cutter and appeal to conservatives who believe that public media programs have a liberal bias; it allows Mr. Obama, in turn, to mock Mr. Romney’s proposal and appeal to voters who oppose cuts to public broadcasting. The public television executives caught in the middle say the issue is drawing far more attention than it truly merits. “We would very much like to be out of the picture as soon as possible,” said Patrick Butler, the head of the main lobbying group for public television stations. “We think there are more important issues for presidential candidates to talk about than our little funding issue here.” The Corporation for Public Broadcasting received $445 million from the government this year, about two‐thirds of which was granted directly to local television and radio stations. The rest was spent on grants for programming and administrative costs. The total amount is about one one‐hundredth of 1 percent of the federal budget, contradicting the widely held belief that public broadcasting represents 1 percent or more. The campaign trail comments about public broadcasting this week have made “folks more aware of how small the number is and how deep the appreciation of public television is,” said Rich Homberg, president and general manager of Detroit Public Television, where federal funds account for about 7 percent of revenues. Several station managers said they had been struck by the outpouring of support on social media Web sites and in phone calls from viewers. id a h opt v.org
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A sarcastic ad by the Obama campaign on Tuesday that mocked Mr. Romney’s mention of Big Bird gained more than 2.1 million views on YouTube as of Thursday evening, more than any single Romney ad on YouTube to date. After its release, the Republican National Committee asserted that Mr. Obama had made “ ‘Sesame Street’ characters the cornerstone of his campaign.” The back‐and‐forth may foreshadow a Congressional fight over financing for public broadcasting next year. Stations have been girding for such a fight by generating an online campaign, 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting, a reference to the combined monthly reach of all the stations. Nationwide, the $445 million in federal funds accounts for about 15 percent of public broadcasters’ overall revenue, with donations and other sources making up the rest. Smaller television and radio stations depend more heavily on the subsidies; a report commissioned by Congress this year found that the elimination of federal funds would leave 54 public television stations and 76 public radio stations, most in rural areas, “at high risk of no longer being able to sustain operations.” While some viewers could rely on the Web in place of those stations, PBS says it serves many poor and rural households that cannot afford broadband Internet connections or cable television. Peter Morrill, the general manager of Idaho Public Television, said the $1 million he receives annually, out of a $6 million budget, is “absolutely critical to our ability to provide service to a very rural state.” Mr. Romney, in an interview with The Des Moines Register on Tuesday, said he enjoyed PBS, singling out the anthology program “Masterpiece,” which he called by its former name, “Masterpiece Theater.” But he said the system’s programming “will do just fine whether or not there’s federal subsidy” and brought up Big Bird’s home: “The people from ‘Sesame Street’ have made it clear that Big Bird is quite profitable, doesn’t need the government subsidy.” “Sesame Street” is produced by Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit. It receives money from several government agencies for its international production and domestic outreach work. But “Sesame Street” directly receives only $4 million a year from PBS. The group returns about $2.5 million to PBS through an arrangement that shares revenues from merchandising and other income streams, making the net cost to taxpayers $1.5 million. But Sesame Workshop also depends on PBS for distribution, and PBS in turn depends on federal funds to keep local stations running. “Let’s have a conversation about that,” said Melvin Ming, the Sesame Workshop chief executive. With Big Bird still in the news last Saturday, Mr. Ming canceled a long‐planned overseas trip. He sensed that Big Bird was unlikely to fade into obscurity this month, with two more presidential debates to go, not to mention Halloween. This month, Google searches for “Big Bird costume” soared to their highest monthly level in at least eight years. A version of this article appeared in print on October 12, 2012, on page A11 of the New York edition with the headline: Romney’s Pledge Puts Focus on Public TV. G E N E R AL M AN AG E R ’S R EP O R T
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Pair pursue plans to mount Million Muppet March on National Mall Published on Current.org, October 10, 2012 By Dru Sefton, Current Magazine http://www.current.org/2012/10/idea‐for‐million‐muppet‐march‐on‐national‐mall‐may‐become‐reality/ Two pubcasting fans in different cities who separately conceived plans for a “Million Muppet March” in support of public broadcasting have teamed up to try to organize the event on Nov. 3 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Michael Bellavia, 42, of Los Angeles, and Chris Mecham, 46, of Boise, Idaho, were watching the presidential debate on Oct. 3 when Republican nominee Mitt Romney said that he would end subsidies to PBS if elected. Even before the debate ended, Bellavia had secured the URL millionmuppetmarch.com, and Mecham created the Million Muppet March Facebook page. “We just merged the two into one effort,” said Bellavia, president of Animax Entertainment, an animation production studio in Los Angeles. Bellavia said Animax created the “Elmo’s Potty Time” game for Sesame Workshop in 2006. As of midday Wednesday, the Facebook page had more than 11,000 “Likes.” Some 415 people indicated on the event page that they planned to go, with 151 more listed as possible attendees. On the Facebook page, Mecham also shared a letter he’d received from Idaho Republican Congressman Mike Simpson, who said in part: “I am a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, which is responsible for the funding of CPB. Rest assured, I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Subcommittee to ensure CPB receives adequate funding.” Bellavia said he invited PBS and Sesame Workshop to join the campaign, but each declined due to the political nature of the controversy. “We’d love it if all the people who work there could participate in some manner,” he said. “We’re trying to stay as much out of politics as possible,” Bellavia added. “We’re just using the Muppets as opportunity to support public broadcasting.” Mecham said that Sesame Street, Electric Company and Zoom were “a big part of my childhood.” “The educational mission of public broadcasting is so important,” he said. “Everyone should have access to free educational TV over the air, without having to subscribe to cable. To me, it’s an issue of social justice and fairness.” Mecham is pursuing a political science degree at Boise State University. Neither of the two have event‐planning experience. They’re in contact with the National Park Service to find out how to proceed. The march has so far received some high‐profile media attention, with mentions on HuffPost Live, NPR, CNN, TV Guide and the National Review. Copyright 2012 American University id a h opt v.org
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Eye On Boise Hahn to give multimedia presentation on ‘The Left, the Right, Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party’ By Betsy Russell Oct. 4, 2012 10:08 a.m. http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/oct/04/hahn‐give‐multimedia‐presentation‐left‐right‐occupy‐wall
‐st‐tea‐party/ Today is First Thursday in downtown Boise, and there’s a particularly interesting presentation scheduled: Greg Hahn, host of Idaho Public TV’s “Idaho Reports,” will give a multimedia presentation at 5:30 p.m. in the Rose Room entitled, “The Left, the Right, Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party.” It’s part of the Fettuccine Forum series, produced by the Boise City Department of Arts & History in conjunction with Boise State University; an array of sponsors include the Idaho Humanities Council. “A shrinking middle class, years of economic uncertainty and an increasing turn to the politics of resentment have helped push people across the country to the ideological extremes ‐ but what does that mean for the average Idahoan?” the announcement of the program says. “Maybe more than you realize. Idaho Public Television’s Greg Hahn uses video, audio, images and close to two decades of experience as a political journalist to explore how we got here and what could happen next.” Doors open at 5 p.m. for the session; beverages will be sold by Jo’s Traveling Bar. The Rose Room is located at 718 W. Idaho St. Eye On Boise Human rights documentary celebrated with viewings, discussions across state By Betsy Russell, Spokesman‐Review Sept. 25, 2012 3:55 p.m. Idaho Public Television’s award‐winning human rights documentary “The Color of Conscience: Human Rights in Idaho,” is being celebrated with viewings and discussion around the state today. The Idaho State Bar and Idaho PTV are hosting the events, which are taking place at the IPTV studios in Boise; at North Idaho College’s Todd Hall in Coeur d’Alene; at the University of Idaho College of Law in Moscow; at Concordia University School of Law Courtroom in Boise; and at the Idaho Statue University Rendezvou Center in Pocatello. The events feature a showing of the documentary, which also can be viewed online here, along with a panel discussion featuring panelists including U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson, UI College of Law Dean Donald Barnett, attorney and past state bar commissioner Ken Howard, and attorney Norm Gissel of Coeur d’Alene. id a h opt v.org
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525 West Jefferson • P. O. Box 895 • Boise, Idaho 83701 (208) 334‐4500 • Fax: (208) 334‐4515 www.isb.idaho.gov Board of Commissioners Mary “Molly” O’Leary President PO Box 7218 Boise, ID 83707 Paul W. Daugharty President Elect 110 Wallace Avenue Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 William H. Wellman Commissioner PO Box 453 Nampa, ID 83653 Robert T. Wetherell Commissioner PO Box 2598 Boise, ID 83701 Paul B. Rippel Commissioner PO Box 51219 Idaho Falls, ID 83405 Diane K. Minnich Executive Director For Immediate Release Sept. 20, 2012 Idaho Public TV Human Rights Documentary Discussion BOISE ‐ Idaho Public Television, in conjunction with The Idaho State Bar, will honor the award‐winning documentary, “The Color of Conscience: Human Rights in Idaho,” and will facilitate a discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at various locations across the state. The documentary about past and present human rights issues in Idaho recently received the American Bar Association’s 2012 Silver Gavel Award for Television. Idaho State Bar President Molly O’Leary, the ISB Diversity Section and Idaho Public Television invite the public to an afternoon of education and celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. (MDT). The afternoon will consist of a showing of the documentary, a panel discussion moderated by Marc Johnson of the Gallatin Group and a reception to follow. Panelists include U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson, University of Idaho College of Law Dean Donald Burnett, Attorney and Past ISB Commissioner Kenneth Howard and Attorney Norman Gissel. Idaho’s own Marcia Franklin (Idaho Public Television) recently received the award by American Bar Association President William (Bill) T. Robinson III on July 17th at the National Press Club in Washington DC. The event will take place at the Idaho Public Television Studios (1455 Orchard Avenue) in Boise. Webcast viewing of the program and panel discussion have been arranged throughout the state. Members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend. Seating will be based on a first come, first serve basis. • Coeur d’Alene – North Idaho College’s Todd Hall (3‐6 pm‐ PDT) • Moscow – University of Idaho College of Law (3‐6 pm – PDT) • Boise – Idaho Public Television (live) and Concordia University School of Law Courtroom • Pocatello – Idaho State University Rendezvous Center The documentary was broadcast on Sept. 9 and is available anytime for viewing online at http://video.idahoptv.org/
video/1949293974. For more information please contact ISB Deputy Director Mahmood Sheikh at (208) 334‐4500. id a h opt v.org
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Gov. Otter’s Budget Chief Resigns To Take Lobbying Job SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 | 1:23 PM BY EMILIE RITTER SAUNDERS, Boise State Public Radio http://stateimpact.npr.org/idaho/2012/09/18/gov‐otters‐budget‐chief‐resigns‐to‐take‐lobbying‐job/ Wayne Hammon has been at the helm of the Division of Financial Management for the last five and a half years. As the Spokesman Review’s Eye On Boise blog reports, Hammon is resigning, effective September 28. Hammon writes in his resignation letter he’s been honored to serve as budget chief: COURTESY IDAHO REPORTS / IDAHO
“It is with strong emotion and immense gratitude that I write to PUBLIC TELEVISION
Wayne Hammon is a frequent guest on
express my thanks for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet these Idaho Public Television’s Idaho Reports.
last five and a half years. During this time and with your leadership, DFM has been able to help the State weather the largest economic challenges of a generation while simultaneously advancing improvements to state operations and improving customer service to its citizens; reduced the size of government and its burden on the taxpayers; and place Idaho in a position of strength on the road to recovery. I have been honored to help play a role in this. Even more so, I have been honored and humbled by the faith and support you have continued to show in my work and that of my staff. After serving as DFM Administrator longer than any of my predecessors, it is now time for me to move on. I have accepted a position outside state government and accordingly do hereby submit my resignation effective close of business on Friday, September 28, 2012. I leave DFM stronger than I found it with a well‐trained and dedicated staff of professionals ready and willing to advance the causes of good government on any front. I am proud of my DFM team and believe that they will continue to serve the State with honor long after my departure. Words cannot express how much I have appreciated working with and learning from you. I am proud to have been associated with your administration and wish you well as you continue to serve the people of this great state.” — Wayne Hammon Betsy Russell reports Hammon is leaving DFM to “become executive director of the Idaho Associated General Contractors.” UPDATE: Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has named DFM deputy administrator David Fulkerson as interim administrator during the search for Hammon’s replacement. id a h opt v.org
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Eye On Boise Labrador helps pitch Romney to Hispanic voters in Colo., Nev.; Farris says Idaho ignored By Betsy Russell Sept. 10, 2012 12:59 p.m. http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/sep/10/labrador‐helps‐pitch‐romney‐hispanic‐voters‐colo‐nev‐farris
‐says‐idaho‐ignored/ Idaho Statesman reporter Dan Popkey had an interesting report over the weekend on how freshman Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador has been campaigning in Nevada and Colorado for GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, joining former SBA chief Hector Barreto and Romney’s Spanish‐speaking son Craig to pitch Romney to Hispanic voters, including addressing Hispanic business groups and doing interviews with Spanish‐language media. You can read Popkey’s full report here, which also examines other to Idaho officials’ close ties to the Romney campaign. Now, Labrador’s Democratic opponent, Jimmy Farris, has issued a news release criticizing Labrador for the move, saying he’s ignoring voters in his home state. “Congressman Labrador is ignoring the people of Idaho,” Farris said in his release; click below to read it in full. “He’s in Colorado and Nevada wooing Hispanic voters for Romney, but he’s failing to answer the simplest of questions from voters in his own state.” Labrador has consistently refused to comment on anything Farris has brought up in the campaign so far, though he has agreed to debate him on live statewide TV on Oct. 25; the debate will air on Idaho Public Television. Idaho governor’s killer left wife, daughter behind By Anna Webb The Idaho Statesman Published: Wednesday, Sep. 5, 2012 ‐ 9:49 am CALDWELL, Idaho ‐‐ Harry Orchard’s bomb, set on a garden gate in Caldwell in 1905, killed former Idaho Gov. Frank Steunenberg. Orchard’s confession, his claim that he assassinated Steunenberg on orders from union boss “Big Bill” Haywood and Haywood’s subsequent trial are by now Idaho lore. So too the colorful stories of a grandfatherly Orchard spending his last days raising poultry at the Idaho State Penitentiary. The tales have been the subject of books and “Assassination: Idaho’s Trial of the Century,” the Idaho Public Television docudrama released on the 100th anniversary of the trial. But none has ever chronicled Florence and Olive, the wife and infant daughter Orchard abandoned in Canada before embarking on his violent path in the U.S. College of Idaho archivist Jan Boles’ new publication, “A Public Silence Broken: The Murderer Harry Orchard’s Forgotten Family,” finally tells that story. The 24‐page booklet is available for free online. The publication will join the historical documents Boles oversees at the College of Idaho, including papers related to Steunenberg’s term as governor. id a h opt v.org
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“All of a sudden having Orchard’s family dropped into the mix, that they’ve decided they need to be part of this story, amazes me and pleases me,” said historian Judy Austin, who edited Boles’ piece and contributed research to the IPTV docudrama. Boles played a juror on that program. Boles’ involvement with Orchard’s descendants ‐ who wish to remain anonymous even a century after the crime ‐ contains elements that would not be out of place in a mystery novel. IPTV has a website where people can buy DVDs of “Assassination.” A man bought one in 2010, leaving an anonymous comment online about how he wished people knew the other side of the story and what it’s like to be a descendent of a murderer. Boles and others involved with the production were intrigued. They wrote back to the man. They got no response. Boles kept writing. “I tried to make the case that I was a disinterested historian without an ax to grind,” he said. Boles’ persistence paid off. The man, who turned out to be Orchard’s great‐grandson, finally wrote back. He connected Boles with his mother, Orchard’s granddaughter, who is now in her mid‐80s and living in Salt Lake City. It wasn’t long before Boles found himself on the road to Utah, recording devices and document scanners in hand. “I drove down there. It was about a six‐hour drive,” he said. “There was this big question mark in my mind the whole time, was this real? But when I saw all the photographs and documents laid out, all of that was dispelled. It became a matter of trying to gather my wits and ask the right questions.” Many of the documents and family photos are included in Boles’ new publication. Boles’ piece relates the family’s struggles and the secrets they kept about their infamous relative. Orchard’s desertion left Florence and Olive penniless. They moved in with Florence’s father. Florence never remarried. Orchard’s granddaughter in Salt Lake said the subject of Orchard was taboo in the family. She and her siblings learned the full story of his crimes in increments and by accident through newspaper clippings and an obituary. Olive was known for having a sad and melancholy character throughout her life. Though she never talked about her father, she apparently knew his story. She wrote to the warden at the Idaho penitentiary in 1952 to ask if Orchard were still alive. She wanted to know for “family record purposes only,” she wrote. “If he is still in the penitentiary, I would appreciate it if no mention was made of this letter.” The warden wrote back that Orchard was indeed alive, “getting very old,” but “hale and hearty for a man of his age.” Olive never met her father. He died in 1954. Boles is still in touch with Orchard’s granddaughter. He’s sent her several copies of the family history. She’s giving them out to friends and relatives and has called to ask him to send more. Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/05/4789520/idaho‐governors‐killer‐left‐
wife.html#storylink=cpy id a h opt v.org
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The other side of famous Idaho criminal Harry Orchard College of Idaho archivist’s research tells the story of assassin Harry Orchard’s family. September 4, 2012 By ANNA WEBB — [email protected] Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/09/04/2256997/the‐other‐side‐of‐a‐famous‐
idaho.html#storylink=cpy Harry Orchard’s bomb, set on a garden gate in Caldwell in 1905, killed former Idaho Gov. Frank Steunenberg. Orchard’s confession, his claim that he assassinated Steunenberg on orders from union boss “Big Bill” Haywood and Haywood’s subsequent trial are by now Idaho lore. So too the colorful stories of a grandfatherly Orchard spending his last days raising poultry at the Idaho State Penitentiary. The tales have been the subject of books and “Assassination: Idaho’s Trial of the Century,” the Idaho Public Television docudrama released on the 100th anniversary of the trial. But none has ever chronicled Florence and Olive, the wife and infant daughter Orchard abandoned in Canada before embarking on his violent path in the U.S. College of Idaho archivist Jan Boles’ new publication, “A Public Silence Broken: The Murderer Harry Orchard’s Forgotten Family,” finally tells that story. The 24‐page booklet is available for free online. The publication will join the historical documents Boles oversees at the College of Idaho, including papers related to Steunenberg’s term as governor. “All of a sudden having Orchard’s family dropped into the mix, that they’ve decided they need to be part of this story, amazes me and pleases me,” said historian Judy Austin, who edited Boles’ piece and contributed research to the IPTV docudrama. Boles played a juror on that program. id a h opt v.org
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Boles’ involvement with Orchard’s descendents — who wish to remain anonymous even a century after the crime — contains elements that would not be out of place in a mystery novel. PERSISTENCE PAYS IPTV has a website where people can buy DVDs of “Assassination.” A man bought one in 2010, leaving an anonymous comment online about how he wished people knew the other side of the story and what it’s like to be a descendent of a murderer. Boles and others involved with the production were intrigued. They wrote back to the man. They got no response. Boles kept writing. “I tried to make the case that I was a disinterested historian without an ax to grind,” he said. Boles’ persistence paid off. The man, who turned out to be Orchard’s great‐grandson, finally wrote back. He connected Boles with his mother, Orchard’s granddaughter, who is now in her mid‐80s and living in Salt Lake City. It wasn’t long before Boles found himself on the road to Utah, recording devices and document scanners in hand. “I drove down there. It was about a six‐hour drive,” he said. “There was this big question mark in my mind the whole time, was this real? But when I saw all the photographs and documents laid out, all of that was dispelled. It became a matter of trying to gather my wits and ask the right questions.” Many of the documents and family photos are included in Boles’ new publication. A SENSE OF MELANCHOLY Boles’ piece relates the family’s struggles and the secrets they kept about their infamous relative. Orchard’s desertion left Florence and Olive penniless. They moved in with Florence’s father. Florence never remarried. Orchard’s granddaughter in Salt Lake said the subject of Orchard was taboo in the family. She and her siblings learned the full story of his crimes in increments and by accident through newspaper clippings and an obituary. Olive was known for having a sad and melancholy character throughout her life. Though she never talked about her father, she apparently knew his story. She wrote to the warden at the Idaho penitentiary in 1952 to ask if Orchard were still alive. She wanted to know for “family record purposes only,” she wrote. “If he is still in the penitentiary, I would appreciate it if no mention was made of this letter.” The warden wrote back that Orchard was indeed alive, “getting very old,” but “hale and hearty for a man of his age.” Olive never met her father. He died in 1954. Boles is still in touch with Orchard’s granddaughter. He’s sent her several copies of the family history. She’s giving them out to friends and relatives and has called to ask him to send more. Anna Webb: 377‐6431 Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/09/04/2256997/the‐other‐side‐of‐a‐famous‐
idaho.html#storylink=cpy