MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Public Television’s chief operating officer said in letter to Gov. Robert Bentley that the contentious firing of two top officials could lead to the demise of the network in the state, meaning viewers would not be able to see favorites like “Sesame Street” and “Antique Roadshow.”
Network director Allan Pizzato and deputy director and chief financial officer Pauline Howland were fired in June by the Alabama Educational Television Commission. And Pizzato is challenging the move in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
“If something is not done immediately to stop this destructive spiral, it may be that history will record that under the watch of Governor Robert Bentley, Alabama Educational Television died an untimely death,” COO Charles Grantham said in the letter.
A hearing has been scheduled in Circuit Court in Birmingham for Aug. 6 on Pizzato’s claim that the commission violated the state’s open meeting law when it fired him.
The governor’s press secretary Jennifer Ardis said the governor is aware of the letter.
“We want to make sure that the focus of everyone involved with APT remains on providing educational programming for the people of Alabama,” Bentley said.
Network chairman Ferris Stephens said he disagreed with Grantham’s conclusion that the firings could lead to the demise of the network.
“We have significant internal issues we are seeking do deal with. I think we will emerge from this stronger,” Stephens said.
One of Pizzato’s attorneys, Mark White, said Grantham did a good job describing the situation.
“Everything I read in his letter was consistent with what we have found out,” White said.
