Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-902

It is declared to be the intent of the general assembly in enactment of this part to bring about the orderly transfer of licenses and operational responsibilities for state-owned educational television stations to appropriate local community agencies, and to encourage the further development of public television broadcasting in Tennessee. The general assembly recognizes that successful implementation of this goal is contingent upon diligent efforts by the state board of education and the department of education, as well as upon successful appropriate local community agencies. It is the intent of the general assembly that all departments of state government cooperate with and assist in this process. The general assembly also recognizes the crucial importance of state funding resources to the continued viability and improvement of the state educational television system.