Programming Should Not Be A Job For Government

Sun., Aug. 6, 2000

Jim Hammond Special To Perspective

The Idaho Public Television controversy has centered on whether documentaries discussing gay issues are appropriate for IPTV programming.

As a member of the state Board of Education, I view the issue in much broader terms. Idaho always has prided itself on the individualism of its citizenry and enjoys a reputation for minimal government.

If the state board now is charged with deciding what citizens may or may not view, it seems to me that places the board in the position of government deciding what programming is best for citizens.

And yet any citizen already has full control of what they choose to view on IPTV or any other channel through a television control switch or remote control.

I am uncomfortable deciding what programs should be restricted since most IPTV programming already suffers the scrutiny of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

I also am concerned because it was gay and lesbian issues that ignited this controversy. Acting with restrictions pertinent solely to this issue will further damage our state’s image.

The state Board of Education oversees education policy for all of our public schools as well as our institutions of higher education, vocational rehabilitation, professional-technical education and many other state agencies. I feel that the limited time that we have as a board ought to be expended on efforts to enhance the success of our K-12 and higher education institutions.

The board soon will complete a process intended to meet the legislative intent language of the Legislature for the governance of IPTV programming. Then our focus can return to our efforts to make Idaho a leader in providing education to its citizens, which is where I want to place my energies and efforts.

Local journalism is essential.

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