Alabama. Educational Television Commission

Authorities:

Alabama Government Manual. Sixth edition. Atlanta: The Darby Printing Company, 1982.

Alabama Official and Statistical Register. Montgomery: Skinner Printing Company, 1979.

Code of Alabama 1975, 16:7:1-16:7:6. Charlottesville: The Michie Company.

Educational Television Commission, Information Packet, 1986.

The Ala. Educational Television Commission surveys, studies, and appraises the need for an overall plan to make television available for noncommercial, educational use. It is specifically charged with the duty of controlling and supervising the use of channels reserved by the Federal Communications Commission to Ala. for noncommercial, educational use. It designates the locations of education stations, and makes rules and regulations to govern the operations and programs of such stations. It may own or operate television stations or contract for their use. It may adopt rules and regulations for governing its operation and can appoint necessary agents and employees. It may delegate its duties when appropriate. (Ala. Government Manual, 1982, pp. 139-40)

1953 June the Legislature established the Ala. Educational Television Commission - the first of its kind in the nation - consisting of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No two members could reside in the same congressional district and no member could hold any other office under the U.S. or the State of Ala. or have any financial interest in any facilities the Commission was authorized to deal with. Members served ten-year terms, received twenty-five dollars per day for each day actually engaged in the performance of their duties, were allowed up to ten dollars a day for travel expenses, and could be removed from office by impeachment.

The Commission was authorized to enter into contracts with corporations or individuals. It could also accept gifts or grants of money or property, real or personal, and voluntary and uncompensated services from any person, federal or other governmental agency, board of education, educational institution or commerical or industrial enterprise.

The sum of $500,000 was initially appropriated for the Commission. (Acts of Ala. 1953, No. 81)

1980 May the Legislature increased Commission membership from five to seven. It also authorized the Commission to operate radio stations to utilize the channels reserved for public radio within the State. (Acts of Ala. 1980, No. 80-766)

The Educational Television Commission functions as a board of directors to Ala. Public Television. The Commission owns and operates a production facility in Montgomery and television transmitters at Florence, Huntsville, Birmingham, Mt. Cheaha, Demopolis, Louisville, Dozier, and Mobile.

The Commission, as of 1986, is engaged in contracts with several educational institutions to provide certain programs or series for Ala. Public Television to broadcast. These institutions are: University Television Services, University of Ala.; Auburn University TeleCom Center, Auburn University; University of Montevallo TeleCom Center, University of Montevallo; Huntsville Board of Education, Huntsville; Birmingham Board of Education, Birmingham; Ala. A. and M. Telecom Center, Ala. A. and M. University, Normal; and Mobile Board of Education, Mobile. (Information Packet, Ala. Public Television, 1986)

1982 the Legislature established the Ala. Educational Television Foundation Authority to receive, invest and expend donated monies for educational purposes related to the promotion, development, and growth of educational and public broadcasting television in Ala. The Authority is exempt from paying State, local or municipal taxes, but is subject to audits by the Dept. of Examiners of Public Accounts.

The Authority is composed of thirteen members: the seven members of the Educational Television Commission, the general manager of Ala. Public Television Network, and five members selected from the state at large from persons with expertise in broadcasting or investments. Members serve for four years and receive no salary.

The Authority is specifically forbidden to engage in activities which include, directly or indirectly, the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation or engaging in political campaigns. (Acts of Ala. 1982, No. 82-786)