MONTGOMERY– Gov. Kay Ivey replaced five members of the Alabama Public Television governing board Friday, Oct. 2, according to the Alabama Reflector.

The changes include Ric Smith replacing Pete Conroy in the Third Congressional District, which includes Cherokee County. APT’s official roster now lists Smith as that district’s commissioner.

The governing body, formally the Alabama Educational Television Commission, has seven members. However, only two commissioners from the previous board remain: Tijuanna Adetunji and Logan Z. Glass.

APT’s roster also lists Wallace Gilberry for the First District and Dr. Neil Lamb for the Fifth District. In addition, Sally Smith represents the Sixth District, and Dr. Samory Pruitt represents the Seventh District.

According to the Reflector, Gilberry replaces Les Barnett, while Lamb replaces Bebe Williams. Sally Smith replaces Ferris Stephens, and Pruitt replaces William Green.

Meanwhile, Ivey communications director Gina Maiola told the Reflector on Saturday that the governor wanted a “fresh start” for the commission.

APT Executive Director Wayne Reid also told the Reflector on Friday that the network planned a fuller statement Monday, Oct. 5.

Survey Shows Support for PBS Relationship

The board changes follow a statewide survey that APT has published on its website.

According to the official survey results, 54.2% of respondents favored continuing APT’s relationship with PBS. However, 17.7% favored ending that relationship, while 28.1% were unsure.

The question described both the savings from ending PBS fees and the need to replace most of APT’s programming.

In addition, 61.9% said political officials should stay out of programming decisions. By comparison, 16.5% favored elected officials having a say, while 21.7% were unsure.

Cygnal conducted the survey Sept. 20-23 among 600 respondents. The published methodology reports a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Previous Board Debated PBS Affiliation

APT’s own meeting records also document the earlier debate over its PBS relationship.

At a Nov. 18, 2025, meeting, commissioners voted to pay a PBS invoice and honor their existing contract through June 2026. However, a separate motion by Barnett to give PBS 180 days’ notice of withdrawal failed to receive a second.

The approved minutes also describe services beyond television programs that APT received through PBS. For example, Reid discussed streaming infrastructure, music licensing, educational content, and technical support.

New Law Expands Removal Authority

The governor’s action also came one day after the effective date specified in House Bill 220.

The measure allows the governor and certain legislative leaders to remove board members over whom they have appointing authority. However, replacements must meet the qualifications in existing law.

The legislation also includes exceptions for the State Ethics Commission, Alabama State Port Authority, and public college and university governing boards.

STATE NEWS