Dean Borg set to retire from weekly broadcast after 40+ years

Iowa Public Television announces retirement of Iowa Press host

JOHNSTON, Iowa (November 22, 2016) - Veteran journalist Dean Borg, the longest-serving program host in Iowa Public Television history, will retire from the weekly program Iowa Press in early 2017. Borg has been with the statewide network and Iowa Press for more than four decades. Since its inaugural broadcast in 1971, Borg has been a fixture on the public affairs program, hosting and moderating the popular broadcast that interviews political figures and explores issues of statewide and national importance. 

"Dean's contributions to Iowa Public Television and specifically to Iowa Press are too numerous to count," said Molly Phillips, IPTV Executive Director and General Manager. "Not only has he been an anchor for the state's longest running public affairs television program, his measured broadcast abilities have become a fixture known to political aspirants across Iowa and beyond. Whether it is a statehouse issue, a presidential candidate interview or a gubernatorial debate Dean always brings his best to each broadcast - with a high level of professionalism that Iowans have come to expect from IPTV for the last 40 years," said Phillips.

A Forest City, Iowa native, Borg's work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Iowa Broadcast News Association's (IBNA) Jack Shelley Award, Iowa State University's (ISU) Greenlee School of Journalism's Schwartz Award and the six-state Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association's Charnley Award. ISU has also honored Borg with its Distinguished Achievement Citation, ISU's highest award to alumni.

While Borg will be retiring as moderator and host of the weekly program, his talents will still be present during IPTV specials and various live broadcasts. In requesting retirement as the Iowa Press host, Borg said he was "conflicted because I enjoy working with IPTV's talented production staff, professional journalists and political leaders. I continue learning from all of them."

Dean Borg's last day as host of Iowa Press will be Friday, January 13, following IPTV's live coverage of the Condition of the State on Tuesday, January 10. Borg's replacement as host and moderator on Iowa Press will be named at a later date.

Each week, Iowa Press explores the issues affecting the lives of Iowans. Newsmakers, policy makers and elected officials join capitol reporters in a weekly discussion. The program airs Friday evenings and Sundays at noon on IPTV. It is also broadcast Saturday mornings on IPTV's .3 channel, IPTV WORLD. Past episodes of Iowa Press are available online at Iptv.org. Program support for Iowa Press is provided by Associated General Contractors of Iowa, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Communications Network and Iowa Council of Foundations. 

-30-