[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF JIM TUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues from 
California, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Cardoza to pay tribute 
and congratulate the distinguished public service and educational 
career of Mr. Jim Tucker. After 19 years, Jim Tucker is leaving his 
position as host of the Valley Press Show. Mr. Tucker will be honored 
at a reception held by Valley Public Television on Wednesday, August 
27, 2008.
  During his 19 years of service, Mr. Tucker has hosted the Valley 
Press Show and has interviewed more than 1,500 guests on more than 650 
episodes and hosted 40 political debates. His guests included national, 
state and local politicians, celebrities, authors, historians, sports 
figures, religious, educational and community leaders, as well as, 
numerous members of our local Valley media. He planned, prepared, 
wrote, scheduled and hosted the weekly program. Valley Press is the 
signature KVPT public affairs program; it provides viewers with an in-
depth look at major local area news stories. Mr. Tucker has been 
responsible for researching topics of interest and contacting the 
numerous guests for the program. Mr. Tucker has dedicated himself 
tirelessly to KVPT--Valley Public Television and to his community.
  Mr. Tucker also taught journalism in the Mass Communications 
Department at California State University, Fresno. Due to his vast 
wisdom and knowledge of journalism and reporting, he has been honored 
with many distinctions recognition awards throughout the years. His 
awards include Outstanding Journalism Professor of the Year in 1996, 
twice nominee for a regional Emmy award and California State University 
of Fresno Provost's Award for excellence in Teaching in 1997.
  For those who have had the wonderful opportunity to be one of the 
guests on Jim's show, it has always been a learning experience. The 
same dedication and knowledge of journalism he shared with his students 
at Fresno State was always demonstrated in his efforts to bring as much 
information as possible from his guests to the public at large. That is 
what made his show one of the best of its kind, and why he had such a 
large following throughout the Valley and across the entire political 
spectrum. As a result, Jim Tucker is the quintessential journalist; 
always seeking answers to tough questions in an attempt to try and 
better inform the public, who are the critical link in making 
representative democracy work effectively.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jim Tucker 
upon his retirement from Valley Public Television. As a valley resident 
his journalistic integrity and credibility have been greatly 
appreciated. Upon his retirement, as he prepares to spend more time 
with his family and endeavors of interest to him, we thank him for his 
service and we wish him continued success and best of luck for the 
future.

                          ____________________