On August 24, 2012, we reported about changes in the budget at West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Those changes as presented by Executive Director Dennis Adkins were designed to offset the 7.5 percent cut at all state agencies. The loss for the statewide media organization would amount to $420,000.
Adkins had been at odds with the Educational Broadcasting Authority for some time about funding and the future of public media in the Mountain State.
Following an hour-long closed-door session with the EBA, Adkins announced he was retiring in December. The session included additional discussion about the future of public media and the financial situation of the network. In the past Adkins had reported a significant decline in donor and underwriting support. In the recent meeting, Adkins showed that corporate underwriting was on the rise.
According to the Charleston Gazette there were some heated discussion between EBA members and Adkins over plans to minimize the state cuts.
Adkins will leave EBA knowing that he performed at the highest levels to save the network and make it a viable and growing concern. It is often unfortunate that board members do not really understand the media they are guiding. Although this is not the same situation as Alabama, it again demonstrates the need for boards with media professionals to help a media organization survive in the current economy.
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