We’ve got a lot happening on the air and being streamed on Arkansas PBS during the month of November. Prentice Dupins and I detail some of the highlights and events that are planned.
An Arkansan and a Canadian attempt a 2,200-mile trip through the Northwest Passage in homemade rowboats as captured in the new film “Passage,” premiering Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
Ken Burns’ new two-part documentary on the life, genius and enduring impact of Leonardo da Vinci premieres on Nov. 18 and 19. In advance of that, we’re hosting an event on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. to screen highlights, followed by a panel discussion at CALS Ron Robinson Theater,
And of course, we’ll preview the Nov. 5 election on the Nov. 1 episode of “Arkansas Week,” then have analysis on the following week’s program.
Throughout the month, Arkansas PBS is also collecting gently used winter clothing, which can be dropped off at libraries across the state during the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
I speak with the three journalists who would be asking questions of candidates in the 1st district congressional debate before the broadcast began on Oct. 8, 2024. Photo: Arkansas PBS
Each election cycle, Arkansas PBS hosts a series of debates with candidates running for Congress, and when applicable, state constitutional offices. This year we featured the races for the state’s four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. With a special election being held for treasurer, all three candidates also took part in a forum discussion on our program “Arkansas Week.”
Now in my role as Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, this was the first time I helped organize the debates, learning the extensive steps that begin months ahead of time to ensure a fair format, participation by all candidates, and the that technical logistics of making the live broadcasts happen run smoothly. In previous election years, beginning in 2010 while working at Little Rock’s KUAR-FM 89.1, I served in the panels of journalists who would question candidates. Having that background proved to be beneficial for me. Even more important was seeing how my colleagues, who have been organizing decades for decades, did their jobs.
The debates, moderated by Steve Barnes, generated news stories around the state as these were the only matchups among the candidates. The debates took place over the span of a week one month before Election Day in one of our three studios. They were broadcast and streamed live at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. each day, and we reaired one each evening that week. All four were rebroadcast in a marathon the following weekend. The debates also aired on Little Rock Public Radio, while KASU-FM 91.9 in Jonesboro broadcast the 1st district debate.
1ST DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Incumbent Republican Rep. Rick Crawford, Democrat Rodney Govens and Libertarian Steve Parsons were questioned during the Oct. 8 debate by KAIT-TV 8 news anchor Diana Davis, Talk Business & Politics reporter George Jared and KASU-FM 91.9 News Director Brandon Tabor.
2ND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Incumbent Republican Rep. French Hill and Democrat Marcus Jones were questioned during the Oct. 7 debate by reporters Steve Brawner, Arkansas Business Editor Hunter Fields and KARK-TV 4’s Caitrin Assaf.
3RD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Womack, Democrat Caitlin Draper and Libertarian Bobby Wilson were questioned during the Oct. 8 debate by reporters Steve Brawner, Talk Business & Politics reporter George Jared and Yuna Lee, an anchor with 40/29 News in Fayetteville.
4TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman and Democrat Risie Howard were questioned during the Oct. 10 debate by Brandon Evans with 40/29 News in Fayetteville, Little Rock Public Radio Politics and Government Reporter Josie Lenora and Pine Bluff Commercial Editor Byron Tate.
Following each debate was a press conference, which all candidates were invited to participate in. We included the press conferences in the live streams of each debate. Arkansas PBS is located on the edge of the University of Central Arkansas campus, and one instructor saw the learning opportunity for his students. Journalism professor David Keith, who was teaching a class on political reporting, had his students watch the debates, then attend the press conferences, with many asking questions of the candidates.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman speaks during the Oct. 10, 2024 press conference. Journalism professor David Keith and his students took up about half of the seats in the room where it was held after the 4th district debate. Photo: Michael Hibblen
FORUM FOR TREASURER CANDIDATES ON ‘ARKANSAS WEEK’
The appearance by the candidates for Arkansas treasurer on “Arkansas Week” was the only time the three sat down together for any kind of public forum. Democrat John Pagan, a former state legislator, Libertarian Michael Pakko and Republican John Thurston, who is currently Secretary of State, joined host Steve Barnes on Oct. 11. The special election was necessitated by the death of previously elected treasurer Mark Lowery.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
What are we showcasing during the month of May at Arkansas PBS? Allow Director of Communications and Community Engagement Julie Thomas and I to tell you what’s planned. Each month, Arkansas PBS produces this feature highlighting what’s scheduled to be broadcast and streamed, especially our locally-produced content.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
August has been quite a month at Arkansas PBS. The network received 18 nominations for the 47th annual Mid-America EMMY Awards/NATAS and was a finalist for 11 Public Media Awards in the National Educational Telecommunications Association’s 55th annual competition. I can’t take credit for those — the recognition is just another example of the incredible caliber of work produced by colleagues who I’ve gotten to know since starting here at the beginning of the year.
Each month, Arkansas PBS produces a promo showcasing what will be airing that month. For August, Mackenzie Holtzclaw and I recorded this preview of what was ahead.
We also had a couple of especially strong episodes of Arkansas Week, which I oversee production of. We had important topics with hosts Steve Barnes and Dawn Scott doing a great job of interviewing the guests.
On August 25, two days after former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took part in the highly anticipated first Republican presidential debate, he joined us on Arkansas PBS to discuss his performance and what’s next in his long shot bid for the White House. He only narrowly met the minimum qualifications to participate in the debate, with his campaign announcing on the Sunday before Wednesday’s event that he had received enough individual donations. Then in the second segment, Democratic political consultant Michael Cook, Republican political consultant Bill Vickery and UCA political science professor Dr. Heather Yates offered analysis of the debate.
A key question now is whether Hutchinson’s exposure in the first debate, along with his campaigning, will be enough to expand support and enable him to meet requirements to participate in the second debate, scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California.
On the August 18 episode of Arkansas Week, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman was a guest to discuss the potential economic boom that south Arkansas could experience as companies, including ExxonMobil, are expanding the extraction of lithium. The metal is a key ingredient for electric vehicle batteries. Some projections suggest up to 15% of the world’s lithium could come from the Upper Jurassic Smackover Foundation that runs through the extreme southern end of the the state.
Then the second segment delved into a loosening of state child labor laws during the most recent session of the Arkansas General Assembly. There are concerns the changes could lead to kids being exploited and injured or killed in workplace accidents. Attorney Cara Butler with the Mitchell Williams law firm explained the two laws passed by the legislature, while Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Keesa Smith discussed her concerns.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
I’m nearing six months into a new job at Arkansas PBS, greatly enjoying working in a new environment with a different set of challenges and the opportunity to try new things. This is my first time working exclusively in television and video-related digital media, but I’m still using the journalism basics that are instilled after decades of being a radio reporter, anchor, editor and manager. I started on Jan. 3 as Senior Producer/Director of Public Affairs.
After accepting the job and giving five weeks notice to longtime employer KUAR-FM 89.1, I posted on social media about my career change.
I won’t change my profile photo just yet, but after 34 years in radio, the last 13 at @kuarpublicradio, today I submitted my resignation letter. On Jan. 3, I’ll begin at @ArkansasPBS as Senior Producer/ Director of Public Affairs. Looking forward to new adventures! pic.twitter.com/xX89UMJZXq
My last day at KUAR was Dec. 30, 2022, capping more than three decades in radio. I had been with the NPR station at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock since 2009, serving as news director for the last 10 years. While I have a deep love for the medium of radio and podcasts, this was an exciting chance to work in a new realm and help expand news coverage on Arkansas PBS.
For much of my time at KUAR, I had also appeared regularly on the television network’s flagship public affairs program Arkansas Week, taking part in journalist roundtable discussions on the state’s top political stories. I also occasionally filled in hosting the show and was involved in special coverage, including asking questions of political candidates at debates hosted by Arkansas PBS and its predecessor AETN.
Already knowing several people working at the television network helped in the transition to the new job. I’m working mostly in a managerial, behind the scenes role. Our coverage is seen on 10 television channels throughout Arkansas, covering 96% of the state. I’ve always enjoyed editing video, but never had an opportunity to do it in a professional setting other than a few videos I produced for KUAR’s website, like one of the 2014 dedication of Johnny Cash’s boyhood home or a 2022 interview with cartoonist Stephan Pastis.
Arkansas Business reporter Kyle Massey, who covers media-related issues and has written extensively about KUAR and Arkansas PBS over the years, had a column about my career change in the Dec. 12 issue.
One clarification from what Kyle wrote, I wasn’t planning on taking the reel-to-reel recorder with – that belonged to the station – but yes on moving the extensive collection of personal items from my office, including vintage microphones, hundreds of cassettes, and other items I’d kept there over the years.
One of my new responsibilities is overseeing production of Arkansas Week, which marked its 40th anniversary in February. Having been involved in the program in the past, it was a joy helping to produce a segment looking at its history. I interviewed several former regulars on the program, as well as longtime host Steve Barnes. The six-minute segment, which was masterfully edited by producer Jennifer Gibson, aired on the Feb. 17 episode.
The full interviews ended up being so good that we also posted many of those online. You can watch Steve Barnes share not only details of his experiences on Arkansas Week, but his background on how he came to work in television. Also available are the interviews with Ernie Dumas of the Arkansas Gazette, Gwen Moritz of Arkansas Business, and Rex Nelson of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
While my job duties are primarily behind the scenes, I’m comfortable appearing on camera as needed — whatever it takes to land an interview, facilitate live coverage or help on the air during pledge drives. Four days before Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ education reform legislation was filed in the Arkansas General Assembly, I interviewed state Education Secretary Jacob Oliva about the proposal in the rotunda of the state Capitol.
Interviewing Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva in the state Capitol about the governor’s education proposal on Feb. 16, 2023. Photo: Arkansas Department of Education
The first 10 minutes of my interview was featured in the opening segment of Arkansas Week. We posted an additional six minutes of the interview as an online-only feature with Oliva providing more details on how he was envisioning the proposal, which Sanders had said was her top priority when coming into office.
As part of our state political and government coverage, I also oversee the streaming of live events on the Arkansas Citizens Action Network (AR-CAN), which is included on the Arkansas PBS website. That can involve lining up a crew to shoot events like government meetings or using Zoom and similar services to stream meetings. Some events are of major political interest, while others are offered as a public service to allow viewers to see the inner workings of government.
Reporting live on Sanders’ education proposal for AR-CAN
After Sanders came into office advocating for an overhaul of the state’s education system, we covered several rallies and events on the topic. Some of the coverage included me reporting live, along with the full speeches and interviews with lawmakers.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced details of her education proposal on Feb. 8, 2023 with legislators behind her on the steps leading to the House of Representatives chamber. Photo: Michael Hibblen
In the weeks before the education bill was filed, Sanders provided a few details of what would be included during several rallies. The first was on Jan. 19, with Sanders speaking in the state Capitol rotunda at an event organized by the Arkansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity. She noted for the first time that the changes would be incorporated into one large omnibus bill, and as expected, would include a voucher program allowing parents to use state funds for private, parochial or home schooling.
On Feb. 8, Sanders held a press conference in front of the steps leading to the Arkansas House of Representatives chamber to unveil details of her education proposal called the LEARNS Act. Exact language of the bill would not be released for another couple of weeks.
The 145-page bill was filed at the end of the day on Feb. 20. It was apparent just from the number of sponsors that there was more than enough support for the legislation to pass, with Republicans holding supermajorities in both chambers.
On the day after the bill was introduced, Sanders spoke during a Feb. 21 rally at the Capitol, this time as part of Home School Day.
In the span of just over two weeks, the bill sailed through the legislature. Many Democrats, educators and parents argued there wasn’t sufficient debate for such sweeping changes. The bill was the topic of several episodes of Arkansas Week, with lawmakers from both major parities debating for and against it. Sanders signed the bill into law on March. 8, which we also streamed live.
Surrounded by supporters and family, Gov. Sanders signs the LEARNS Act into law on March 8. Photo: Michael Hibblen
Another key issue during the legislative session, which was discussed heavily on Arkansas Week, was criminal justice reform. With it and education taking up so much time, it was reported that this year’s session saw the fewest number of bills passed since 1971. Lawmakers formally adjourned on May 1.
Beyond my Public Affairs department, it has been fascinating to learn about how Arkansas PBS operates and the many things it is involved in. The original productions, ranging from educational kids programming to more serious topics, have been especially interesting to see being produced. We have a podcast studio equipped with three cameras that was most recently used for a grant-funded series called The Growing Season. Even the annual Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl championship for high school students was fun. My role in the April 22 broadcast, which featured seven rounds each lasting about an hour, was controlling the buzzer as participants competed.
During two nights of our spring pledge drive I appeared on-camera pitching for viewer support. One evening was during PBS NewsHour and Nature. The other was while airing three documentaries produced in the 1990s by the late Arkansas television journalist Jack Hill. In between each one, Casey Sanders and I interviewed the authors of a book about Hill and his former wife.
Bob Cochran and Dale Carpenter discuss their book about Jack Hill alongside his former wife Anne Hill during an evening when we aired three of his documentaries. Photo: Kai Caddy/Arkansas PBS
Walking Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin through Arkansas PBS before taping an episode of Arkansas Week on Feb. 3, 2023 . Photo: Attorney General’s Office
Moving forward, I hope to continue expanding digital offerings by Arkansas PBS, especially for news-related events. It’s a pleasure working with an impressive team of professionals. It’s also an honor being part of a television network that I grew up watching with a deep history in the state.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
I was a panelist for a segment on “Arkansas Week” last Friday on Arkansas PBS. It came one day after the Arkansas Supreme Court said voters can consider a proposal on the November ballot to legalize recreational marijuana. The state Board of Election Commissioners had rejected the proposed amendment suggesting the ballot title didn’t fully explain the impact it would have. But the court overturned that decision, saying all of the possible ramifications can’t be detailed in the ballot language.
I also previewed Tuesday’s meeting of the Arkansas Senate to consider a recommendation that Sen. Alan Clark be sanctioned for making what was determined to be a frivolous complaint against another lawmaker. I had covered three of the hearings by the Senate Ethics Committee, including the final one on the matter when members announced the complaint against Sen. Stephanie Flowers was without merit. They also recommended that Clark be punished for making was said to be a retaliatory filing after being punished himself in July for a separate issue and vowing “to burn the house down.”
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
On the web since 2002, this is the online home of broadcasting news veteran Michael Hibblen. I've worked for newspapers, radio and TV stations around the country, with this website telling the story of my career, including audio, photos and videos. Also featured are various interests I've researched, primarily about radio and railroads. Today I'm Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, overseeing production of the program "Arkansas Week" and the streaming of events on the Arkansas Citizens Access Network.
My Book
Released by Arcadia Publishing in 2017, Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas delves into the history of the railroad which once had a huge footprint in Arkansas, as well as other states in the middle of the U.S. The book features historic photos and tells the story of the Rock Island, which was shut down in March 1980. READ MORE
For 13 years, from May 2009 to December 2022, I worked for NPR station KUAR-FM 89.1 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. That included 10 years as News Director while continuing to anchor and report. You can read and hear reports from that time on Little Rock Public Radio's website.
