Legislative auditor’s report on Louisiana Public Broadcasting

Louisiana’s legislative auditor released a report [PDF file] yesterday that said Louisiana Public Broadcasting, a state-funded public TV network, illegally deposited $11 million over three years in accounts held by its private non-profit, the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Leaders of the three boards with oversight over LPB and its fundraising non-profits challenged the auditor’s controversial conclusions. “[W]e will guard jealously every dollar donated to LPB and will not allow it to be diverted for any other purpose,” they said in a statement. “There is not even a hint of allegation that any LPB funds were spent in an inappropriate manner,” said Joe Traigle, chairman of the foundation, in today’s Baton Rouge Advocate.