KUAT names temporary head

Tucson's UA-based PBS affiliate has selected an interim director to keep the cameras rolling while a nationwide search continues for a permanent head.

Jack Parris, assistant general manager for video services at KUAT Communications Group, will serve as interim director and general manger of KUAT, according to a Monday news release.

"I am looking forward to working with the people here at KUAT and keeping things moving forward until a permanent general manager is hired," Parris said.

Don Burgess, the present director, will retire July 3, after working at KUAT since 1984.

Parris said he expects the nationwide search for a permanent director to take between four and six months

Joe Chitwood, a KUAT production artist, will temporarily take over Parris' position.

KUAT TV runs on channel six and airs Public Broadcasting Service material and the locally developed programs, "Arizona Illustrated" and "Desert Speaks."

The radio portion of the station runs on KUAT-FM, KUAT-AM and KUAZ-FM, and includes National Public Radio programming, jazz, news and information services.