Palin’s television deal could cut two ways for Alaska and Alaskans

News that former Gov. Sarah Palin will be hosting a television series to air on the TLC cable network seems like a win for Alaska.

Could it also hurt Alaska?

Second answer first.

Palin, without question, is a politician with little gray area. People tend to like her or they tend to dislike her. It’s possible that narrow-minded people who used to view Alaska as a place they would like to visit may associate the state with her criticism and decided not to come here.

Granted, that crowd would surely be small, but the way political discourse is playing out these days, those people might be more numerous than we think.

Nobody knows yet how the eight-part series will portray Alaska.

But, if Palin were to visit a Native fish camp, for instance, people would learn about an Alaska unseen to most, including many Alaskans. She has an opportunity to enlighten people about an Alaska off the road system and away from the usual tourist meccas. We have had a measure of visibility on TV with the Ice Road trucker series and the popular “Deadliest Catch.” Those are the romantic views many people have of our state.

Spending a couple of days at a fish camp would educate viewers about realities of life for some who rely on fish to live. Outsiders could see how the salmon are preserved so they can help sustain a village through the winter. They could see the isolation people live in.

One program could show the Mat-Su Valley. You know, this place Outsiders think is Nowhere.

This is a great opportunity to reveal the truths about Alaska rather than perpetuate romantic notions of a frozen wasteland dotted by igloos and penguins. Taking a trip down the Yukon would open a lot of eyes inside and outside the state.

In short, this television series has the capability of being a public relations boon to the state. No amount of advertising can compare to this TV presence. With tourism hurting these days, maybe Palin can change some minds about where they want to spend their travel money.

This is also a fine chance for people to see Sarah Palin in a different context. She can show why she loves Alaska far removed from the speeches and tea parties and talk shows. This is a chance for Americans to embrace the real Alaska.