Debate confronts Idaho Public Television's value

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter's proposed cuts to Idaho Public Television are just the latest in a long and sometimes stormy relationship between the Statehouse and state-owned public TV. His hope to wean IPTV from state general tax dollars over four years is challenging lawmakers to tackle questions that have simmered for years. How valuable to Idahoans is a service like IPTV's "Idaho Legislature Live" - the only way people around the state can see complete coverage of the Legislature? How important are locally generated shows, like "Outdoor Idaho," "Dialogue," and the popular kids science show "D4K"? And at the core of it all: Should the state even be in the business of owning and funding a public television station? For some Idahoans, like Weiser resident Taro Stahl, the issue comes down to money - and the state no longer has enough.