Arizona Public Media’s Bill Buckmaster has announced that he’s stepping down at the beginning of next year.
Here’s an e-mail he sent this morning:
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
For the past 23 years I have had the honor and privilege to present “Arizona Illustrated” to the residents of Southern Arizona. I am proud of this University of Arizona-based public service which has given a voice and forum to thousands of our citizens.
Now, it is time to open another chapter in my communications career and life of public service that has spanned more than four decades.
My separation from Arizona Public Media is January 1, 2011.
Although I will no longer be working at the University of Arizona, in my heart I will always be a Wildcat!
I wish continued success to all my friends and colleagues at the University of Arizona and Arizona Public Media.
With all good wishes,
Bill Buckmaster
This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 6, 2010.
While Bill Buckmaster is cheerfully continuing his career, has anyone asked if AZ Illustrated will continue? Also, has anyone probed the PBS budget at Arizona Public Media (which, if I’m not mistaken, can be subject to a public records request?) whether the funds for his show just were too much for the budget? Donations are surely down in the down economy.
It’s a conspiracy theory, but maybe there’s more to the story on why he’s leaving? (Not that I’ve been known to throw out things without any backing evidence – I’ve been out of AZ for a few years now.)
BB did a fine job at AZI. In a town w/o a lot of media, he stood out as a first class act. I hope AZPM can find an adequate replacement.