Foundation board approves $39,500 statewide survey contract after contentious meeting

The Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority voted to authorize a $39,500 contract with Signal polling company to conduct a statewide survey of Alabamians about Alabama Public Television. The motion, which also authorized Wayne Reed (and in his absence William Green) to sign the contract, passed by roll call after debate: five members voted yes, two voted no and three members were absent.

The motion as read by a board member said the contract covers a "scientific polling sample" with what the motion described as a "two 600 person sample size" and a minimum of 35 questions; the foundation authority will fund the work from its rainy day fund and asked Signal to begin "as soon as possible." BB Williams, who voted yes, said the survey would reach more Alabamians than public comment alone: "Because I want to hear from the five million people through a survey like this. ... I want to hear from the rest of the state," he said. Supporters argued the poll will give the board a representative baseline for programming decisions.

Opponents cited process concerns and potential public-trust implications. Commissioner Pete Conroy read an email urging that responsibility for the survey be returned to APT staff and that the board understand any Attorney General findings before acting; he and Tuana (Tana) Anati voted no. The roll call recorded yes votes from Les Barnett, Dick Brewaker, William Green, Ferris Stevens and BB Williams; Johnny Curry, Logan Glass and Douglas Raglin were absent. The motion carried and the board adjourned.