AG seeks receiver for OETA Foundation

The state attorney general is asking an Oklahoma County judge to appoint a receiver to take control at the OETA Foundation. OETA joined in the request Friday, saying its very future as the state's public television source is at stake. The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority and its longtime charitable partner have been at odds for months. The dispute grew increasingly bitter after the OETA Foundation asked District Judge Don Andrews in December to intervene. The OETA's board of directors voted 9-0 in January to terminate its relationship with the OETA Foundation. It intends to use a new nonprofit, Friends of OETA Inc., to seek funding from private donors. OETA complained Friday that the OETA Foundation is refusing to turn over already collected funding and donor information needed to raise funds in the future. “Frankly, OETA cannot survive without private funds,”

its attorneys told the judge. “Left unchecked, the Foundation can do serious and possibly fatal damage to OETA.” Attorney General Mike Hunter asked Wednesday for the appointment of a receiver to take control of the funds and assets in question to ensure their appropriate and proper distribution. He told the judge the action is necessary in part because of accusations donations have been misused. OETA has complained specifically that donations were wrongfully diverted to purchase a Cadillac for Daphne Dowdy, the OETA Foundation's president. Dowdy on Jan. 25 disputed that the OETA Foundation is no longer providing financial support to OETA. “OETA Foundation has prepaid for OETA's full 2019 PBS schedule of programs,” she wrote in an online letter. “We have made clear to OETA that more financial support is available. “OETA Foundation is strong. OETA Foundation does not cease to exist simply because OETA wishes to establish and control a new organization,” she wrote. “Just as we have for 35 years, with your help, the Foundation will financially support OETA's transparently identified needs.” The OETA Foundation has until April 1 to respond to the application for a receiver. The next court hearing is set for April 4.