[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 40 (Thursday, March 2, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S632-S633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ``ARKANSAS WEEK''

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 
40th anniversary of ``Arkansas Week,'' the flagship public affairs 
program of Arkansas PBS.
  Since its first broadcast in 1983, ``Arkansas Week'' has delivered 
consistent and reliable in-depth news and analysis of events in Little 
Rock and throughout our State to the Nation's Capital and beyond, as 
well as robust coverage of policies that impact all Arkansans.

[[Page S633]]

  In a recent column recognizing this milestone, long-time host Steve 
Barnes explained the focus of the program has always been the matters 
that matter. There is no doubt the discussions featured on this program 
have encouraged Arkansans to advocate for change, influenced policies 
and procedures at all levels of government and brought attention to 
undercovered issues.
  Arkansans have had a front-row seat to the evolving political climate 
of the last four decades as a result of ``Arkansas Week.'' We have seen 
a lot of changes and the voices on this show have provided valuable 
insight. The ``Arkansas Week'' roundtable panel is a signature segment 
of the show that has brought together the best and brightest 
journalists and experts in the State to deliver unique perspectives in 
a manner that expands on the stories covered in print and allows for a 
broader discussion beyond the headlines. I have been honored to join 
this mainstay numerous times and talk with Steve as well as other hosts 
and guests to contribute to Arkansans' awareness of the issues and 
events that directly affect them.
  Throughout the years, ``Arkansas Week'' has brought together people 
from across the political spectrum to share their thoughts. The program 
has always fostered an atmosphere where its acceptable to disagree 
without being disagreeable, a feature truly appreciated by the viewers 
and guests alike. It is even more important at a time when polarization 
is too common.
  As we celebrate its storied history of delivering information to 
citizens in all corners of our State, I applaud the dedication of Steve 
Barnes and the men and women who work tirelessly each week to create 
``Arkansas Week.'' Our State is grateful to all those who have been 
part of this program over the past four decades on being a reliable, 
informative source for news.

                          ____________________