Garber: Cuts Not Geographical

Rep. James Lucas’ complaints about Idaho Public Television manager Jerold Garber focus on Garber’s supposed preference for Boise, and on the amount of educational programming offered.

In January, Idaho Public Television learned it would get $700,000 less in federal funding over the next four years. It also lost $100,000 in state funding this year.

Cutbacks included 10 layoffs, among them the full-time public relations employee and part-time assistant who work in Coeur d’Alene. Programs eliminated included coverage of University of Idaho Vandal games and “Portraits of Idaho,” produced in Moscow.

That targeted North Idaho in favor of Boise staff and programs, Lucas said.

The cuts were made on the basis of programs, not locations, insisted Garber.

“Vandal sports was cut because it’s pricey to do, and it could only run in the Moscow-Coeur d’Alene area. We reasoned it was unfair in tight budget times to give one service to one part of the state,” he said.

According to Lucas, Idaho Public Television is under orders from the Board of Education and the Legislature to move toward educational broadcasting and away from “public TV from Washington, D.C.”

He thinks Garber ignores that mandate.

Garber denies it.

State-produced shows were axed during budget cutting because they are less popular than those such as “Sesame Street,” which are bought from PBS. Garber said he could not break the annual promise made during pledge drives to keep PBS shows on the air.

He points to instructional programs that teachers tape overnight, programs pre-schoolers watch during the day, and two-year college degrees offered via the airwaves.

, DataTimes MEMO: See main story under headline: Lawmaker seeks ouster of TV boss