[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 154 (Monday, September 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF KENTUCKY EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION 
                                 (KET)

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                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2018

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Kentucky Educational Television's (KET) 50th Anniversary. Since 1968, 
KET has impacted the lives of countless Kentuckians through its 
advocacy and broadcasting of educational programs. KET has long-served 
as a successful educational platform for the arts, theater, history, 
politics, health and STEM fields. In 1989 , KET introduced one of the 
first interactive distance learning program services, giving 
Kentuckians the opportunity to advance their education via network 
broadcasting. KET is now one of the largest public television networks 
in the country with more than 25 programs, reaching over one million 
people each week.
  I applaud KET's commitment to raise awareness of pertinent issues 
across the Commonwealth and challenges in our rural Appalachian region. 
While many media outlets have been slow to produce comprehensive 
coverage of the nation's deadly opioid epidemic, KET has led the way by 
shedding light on the long history of addiction in Kentucky and the 
multi-faceted pledge for rehabilitation and recovery. It is because of 
these efforts, including in-depth reports, community forums, and annual 
coverage of the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, that KET 
recently received the national Mental Health America Media Award for 
its Inside Opioid Addiction Initiative. Thanks to KET's broadcasting 
efforts, more people across Kentucky have rallied together to become 
part of the solution to the drug abuse crisis and we are making 
significant strides to save lives across the state.
  As part of this Golden Anniversary celebration, I also want to 
commend KET for bringing Kentuckians together and promoting healthy 
debates about vital issues for the state. For decades, great 
journalists like Al Smith, Bill Goodman, Bill Bryant and many others 
have set the stage for state and federal legislators to discuss how key 
policies impact our daily lives, while also providing civic awareness 
during elections, spending countless hours on the air, sharing election 
results from all of our 120 counties. In addition to educational 
programming and news coverage, KET has also used its platform to extend 
immense compassion through local partnerships to benefit those most in-
need.
  As KET celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first broadcast, I join 
my fellow Kentuckians in sharing my appreciation for every minute of 
broadcasting excellence that has been used to educate our children and 
our families. KET has made a significant impact in our state and it is 
an honor to support this organization's continued work.

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