Iowa Public Television Remembers Former General Manager Dan Miller

Johnston, Iowa - The Iowa Public Television family today sadly notes the passing of former executive director and general manager Daniel K. Miller, who died yesterday at the age of 66 following a long illness. Miller's career spanned 37 years at IPTV, ultimately overseeing the nine-station public television network headquartered in Johnston, Iowa. In spite of challenging budget circumstances and a rapidly changing media landscape, Miller guided the statewide network to increased viewership, previously unmatched coverage of Iowa, and a national reputation for excellence. He retired in April 2013.    "Dan's intellect, dedication and diligence was appreciated by all who had the pleasure to work alongside him," said Molly Phillips, executive director and general manager at IPTV and Miller's successor. "His leadership left a legacy of editorial integrity, credibility and of public trust which IPTV strives to maintain today. Dan was also a beloved friend and valued mentor. His friendship, support and counsel will be sorely missed." Miller's contributions to Iowa Public Television and the broadcast industry are immeasurable. Under his leadership, IPTV tripled its broadcast offerings and secured its national reputation for excellence. He guided the network through both the digital television transition and new content delivery systems. Frequently recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the public television system, Miller earned numerous regional and national broadcast journalism awards. Throughout his career, he served on various boards and committees for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Public Broadcasting Service, WGBH-TV, the BBC, and other public television organizations. In August 2016, PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger presented Miller with the inaugural Daniel K. Miller PBS Station Leadership Award. The first honor of its kind by PBS, the namesake award now celebrates excellence in leadership at local stations and highlights those who strengthen and ensure the future of public media. "In discussing the attributes that this award should recognize, we quickly came to the conclusion that the qualities of selflessness, humility, vision, commitment and courage were all represented in Dan Miller," said Kerger at the time the award was presented. "Dan worked tirelessly to protect and promote editorial integrity. It is fitting that not only should Dan be the first recipient of the award, but the award be named in his honor." A graduate of George Washington University and a Des Moines native, Miller was with Iowa Public Television from 1975 to 2013. He served as executive producer for public affairs programming, and led the network's programming and production division for 16 years. He then served as executive director and general manager from July 2002 until his retirement from the station in April 2013. Learn more at Iptv.org. For more information about Iowa Public Television, please contact Susan Ramsey at 515.725.9703 or Susan.Ramsey@iptv.org. - 30 -