RADIO

The Alaska Public Radio Network has returned, with thanks, a $32,283 donation from Exxon Corp. that was to be used to help the network with its coverage of the oil spill from Exxon’s tanker Valdez. “I think there is a perceived conflict of interest . . . it would be inappropriate for us to accept it,” the network’s executive director explained. Exxon sent the check after learning that state legislators were considering a supplemental budget request for the money. An Exxon spokesman said the company understood the rationale and added that “our intentions were entirely honorable.”