Peter Morrill, who fought for Idaho Public Television’s programming independence in the face of challenges from the Legislature, will retire as the system’s general manager, the State Board of Education announced Wednesday.
Morrill joined Idaho Public TV in 1979 as a director/videographer and has been general manager since 1996.
Morrill was thrust into the limelight in 2000, when he decided to air a nationally distributed documentary, “It’s Elementary,” about school programs promoting tolerance of homosexuality.
Some lawmakers called for banning the show and Idaho Falls businessman Frank VanderSloot paid for billboards across the state opposing the broadcast. Working with then-Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Morrill agreed to air the program later in the evening.
When Morrill was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, his stand on the show was cited in the award: “Peter courageously and graciously stood up for the critical need for Public Television to present all ideas and to allow the public to learn and decide on issues for themselves.”
Morrill will remain on the job while the State Board of Education conducts a search for a replacement.
The State Board, which holds IPTV’s license, issued the following press release:
IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION’S
PETER MORRILL TO RETIRE
(Boise). The State Board of Education today announced the retirement of Idaho Public Television General Manager Peter Morrill.
Morrill began his service to IdahoPTV in 1979 as a director/videographer. He went on to serve as a producer/director and executive producer before being named General Manager in 1996.
“Peter has been an exceptional leader, and our state has been truly fortunate to have a person of his caliber at the helm of Idaho Public Television,” said Don Soltman, Acting President of the State Board of Education. “Under Peter’s direction, IdahoPTV has garnered national acclaim for excellence in providing programming that informs, educates and inspires.”
The Board will commence a search for a replacement and hopes to name a new general manager by the end of the summer. Mr. Morrill will continue to serve while the search is conducted and through a transition once his successor is selected.
Soltman added, “The Board greatly appreciates Peter’s willingness to assist in a search for a new general manager. He and the Board are committed to finding another outstanding leader who will continue IdahoPTV’s dedication to excellence in public broadcasting.”
Sad to see him go. He has done a great deal for Idaho and IPTV, and will be missed. Enjoy your retirement, Peter!
Kudos to you, Peter…for long, distinguished work at IPTV. Hope your replacement will be as open as you are, to airing informative and educational programs from a variety of sources and viewpoints. I particularly enjoy the IPTV focus on current events in Idaho – in politics, environment, industry, the arts, and on Idaho historical topics.
thank you for a job very well done.
I was a reporter in Idaho Falls and covered the “It’s Elementary” controversy. I was amazed at the class displayed by Peter in the midst of some pretty outrageous allegations. He exhibited that same kind of class throughout his career at IPTV. You’ll be missed, Peter, and have a good time!
I met Peter when he was still “just” a videographer / Director/ Producer. (My mail was delivered once weekly then), (and it was years afterwards I finally saw the video-tape recorded). His meteoric rise to General Manager didn’t surprise me.
I take that back, I was surprised, that such a humble man was able to stand alone against Political Interests that wished to either de-fund or centralize Idaho Public Television. My fault for not realizing what passion / faith in one’s own work should over-come such obstacles, and turn them into a Greater Service to his customers.
There was an uncanny ability to set his subjects at ease, so they may tell their story, honestly, but yet edit, so the subject would have no other reaction than to be pleased w/ his product.
Technology advanced far beyond the “Tool-Case” he carried, back when I was a minute or two as a subject. Mr. Morrill, was “on-top” of technology.
Even in Picabo, ID, after he became manager, I could pull in a IDPTV, Twin Falls signal, (or was it low power repeater), at the rise that prevented that big city’s commercial network signals from reaching my receiving antenna”)
The Fact that he understood the Personalities that make up Idaho, that allows anybody to sit distantly away, yet still see what occurs “Under the Rotunda” / State /People’s House.
I hope they keep his voice on all the station promos for a while, so we can continue to hear his beautiful voice.
Yeah, that voice is hard to separate from Idaho Public Television!