Martin P. Busch

Martin Busch started working at KUSD-AM at the University of South Dakota in 1955, immediately after completing graduate work in Music there. He was instrumental in expanding South Dakota's public broadcasting facilities into FM, television, and ultimately a statewide television network. At the time of the interview Busch was General Manager of KUSD AM, FM and TV and was director of the South Dakota Public Television Network. He served on the Educational Television Stations Board with the National Association of Educational Broadcasters (NAEB). He also had a part in developing the revamped Public Broadcasting Service in 1973, and chaired the board from 1973 to June 1978. He left KUSD in 1984, following a debate over the future of public radio. Since 1951, he's been the host of The Bookshop, one of the longest-running public radio programs.

This interview covers all phases of public broadcasting in South Dakota, the early history of KUSD, and Busch's views on the nationwide developments in public broadcasting, based on his involvment with various national boards on both the radio and television sides. Busch also discussed the Wingspread Conference which focused on the future of public radio.

People

• William G. Harley
• Robert M. Reed
• Ralph B. Rogers
• Jerrold Sandler

Topics

• Corporation for Public Broadcasting
• educational radio
• educational television
• Educational Television Stations
• National Association of Educational Broadcasters
• National Educational Radio Network
• public radio

return to top