Melissa Davlin, former Statehouse reporter for the Twin Falls Times-News, and Aaron Kunz, a producer for EarthFix, a public media project that includes Idaho Public TV, Oregon Public Broadcasting and KCTS Seattle, have been named co-hosts of Idaho Reports, the long-running public television program on Idaho Public TV that covers the Idaho Legislature. “I’m excited about the strengths of our young co-hosts,” said Bruce Reichert, Idaho Public Television’s executive producer. “They understand the value of this venerable show to Idahoans and are committed to making ‘Idaho Reports’ informative, insightful, and even fun to watch.” Click below for the full announcement from Idaho Public TV.

Press Release — Tuesday, August 27, 2013
 
Reporters Melissa Davlin and Aaron Kunz
to Co-host IdahoPTV’s IDAHO REPORTS

Two Idaho reporters with a combination of youth and considerable experience covering Idaho politics have been named the co-hosts of IDAHO REPORTS, Idaho Public Television announced this week. Former Twin Falls reporter Melissa Davlin has joined the IDAHO REPORTS staff and will co-host Idaho’s only statewide legislative program with Aaron Kunz this coming January.
 
Davlin, 27, is no stranger to Idaho politics, having covered the state Legislature for the Twin Falls Times-News for the past two sessions. She was also a features reporter for four years.
 
Kunz, 35, worked on IDAHO REPORTS last year, covering stories on the environment and natural resource issues. He is also a producer for EarthFix, a public media project of several Northwest public TV and radio outlets, including IdahoPTV, Oregon Public Broadcasting and KCTS Seattle.
 
“I’m excited about the strengths of our young co-hosts,” says Bruce Reichert, Idaho Public Television’s executive producer. “They understand the value of this venerable show to Idahoans and are committed to making IDAHO REPORTS informative, insightful, and even fun to watch.”
 
Now in its fourth decade of covering Gem State politics, IDAHO REPORTS airs annually during Idaho’s legislative session and provides commentary and analysis of the developments within the state government. Betsy Russell of The Spokesman-Review and veteran political analyst Jim Weatherby will continue as contributors to the weekly show, which airs on Friday evenings and repeats on Sunday mornings. Other reporters from around the state will join the program from time to time, providing different perspectives on issues of importance to Idahoans.
 
“I’m thrilled to join the team at Idaho Public Television, and I’m looking forward to working with Aaron and covering the Legislature for IDAHO REPORTS,” says Davlin, a University of Idaho graduate. “I particularly love delving into state budget numbers and Health & Welfare issues.”
 
“IDAHO REPORTS is a show that’s important to me; it’s one of the few places where you can see government at work,” says Kunz. “I will be focusing on environmental issues during this session. I also care deeply about education, having two young children of my own. I am very excited to be working with Melissa as we prepare for the upcoming session that starts in January; I know she will do a great job of helping inform viewers about issues that are important to the state.”
 
Davlin and Kunz will also provide analysis online via Twitter, Facebook and the Web.
Award-winning coordinating producer Seth Ogilvie, veteran director Ricardo Ochoa, and Web developer Rick Penticoff round out the IDAHO REPORTS team.
 
One of the areas of focus for the upcoming legislative program will be the infrastructure needs of the state. The IDAHO REPORTS team is planning to produce an extensive series that will stretch out over several weeks, beginning in January.
 
Last year’s host, Greg Hahn, left Idaho Public Television in March to accept an administrative position at Boise State University. 

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