For Lexington native and Louisville resident Tanner Watkins, KET programming has been a part of his life since childhood.

The partner at Louisville law firm Dinsmore & Shohl says he’s taken what he watched as a child and carried that inspiration into adulthood, joking that he references Reading Rainbow.

“To this day, if I’m arguing a case and trying to make a point, I use LaVar Burton’s phrase, ‘But you don’t have to take my word for it,’ and show them the documents.”

Today, Watkins is drawn to KET’s legislative coverage and public affairs programming.

KET really is Kentucky’s network – it provides an unbiased, central viewpoint on the issues Kentucky faces that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Tanner Watkins, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl

“I watch Comment on Kentucky and try to never miss Kentucky Edition. KET has by far the best coverage of current affairs.

“If I want to know something about Kentucky politics, I’m getting it from KET.” He adds, “KET really is Kentucky’s network – it provides an unbiased, central viewpoint on the issues Kentucky faces that you just can’t get anywhere else.”

KET’s broad educational programming is also something Watkins appreciates. While he still fondly recalls educational programs of his youth like The Voyage of the Mimi, he’s quite aware of the broad range of educational programs and services KET offers, from early childhood to K-12 and even those resources that help adults improve their workplace skills or earn a GED certificate.

“Accessible education like that is needed in this time – it’s priceless,” says Watkins.

And then there’s the programming that’s both informative and entertaining. Watkins enjoys tuning in on the weekends to watch a variety of Kentucky-focused programs, including Kentucky Life.

“It highlights things what Kentuckians are doing unique to Kentucky. They do a really good job of showcasing places you might not know about otherwise.”

He also enjoys The Farmer & The Foodie, which provides a personal connection to host Lindsey McClave, with whom he went to school and even served in her wedding, and Kentucky Afield, which provides a full-circle appreciation of KET.

“I used to always love watching Kentucky Afield,” says Watkins. “I got my hunter certification as a kid because of because of it.” Today, he still likes to hunt. “And I’m still watching Kentucky Afield.”

Watkins recently found a different way to give back and support all the things he loves about KET.

“One of my law partners, Wayne Wilson, who’s the chairman of the Greater Louisville Regional Fund Board, reached out and asked if I’d be interested in doing an auction for KET.”

Watkins, who attended auctioneer school before going to law school, graciously agreed to give his time to serve as auctioneer at KET’s recent February Fanfare fundraising event in Louisville.

“I was honored to be asked.”

Speaking about going from a fan to being more personally involved with KET, Watkins says, “I’m happy to be a part of it. KET is an outstanding organization that gives a lot more back to Kentucky than it takes.”