Arkansas PBS official arrested for meth after being pulled over, police say

PBS Executive Arrested on Drug Charges

A PBS executive was taken into custody in Arkansas on drug-related charges following a traffic stop by local law enforcement.

Michael Hiblen, the director of public affairs for Arkansas PBS, reportedly had methamphetamine discovered in his vehicle during the stop by Pulaski County deputies earlier this week.

Details from the arrest report indicate that troopers pulled Hiblen over on Monday at around 9 p.m. on Interstate 40 after clocking him driving at 80 mph in a 60 mph zone.

Upon being stopped, Hiblen mentioned he was returning home after dropping off a friend at a nearby gas station.

After consenting to a vehicle search, deputies found what they described as “crystal-like debris” in the cup holder, which they suspected to be methamphetamine.

Hiblen was arrested and booked into the Pulaski County Jail facing charges for speeding and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, classified as a Class D felony.

Law enforcement officials reported that the vehicle was impounded and the suspected meth was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for further analysis.

In a statement on Wednesday, Arkansas PBS confirmed Hiblen’s arrest, emphasizing that it’s a “personnel matter that this station takes seriously.” They mentioned that following the news, Hiblen was suspended without pay while the situation is reviewed.

Since joining Arkansas PBS in 2023, Hiblen has been responsible for producing the weekly public affairs show “Arkansas Week” and providing live coverage of state government meetings.

Prior to this role, he worked for over a decade as the news director at KUAR-FM 89.1 in Little Rock and held positions as a reporter and editor at WLRN-FM in Miami. He authored the 2017 book “Rock Island Railroad of Arkansas” and has contributed to NPR News and the Arkansas Encyclopedia.

Hiblen’s arraignment in Pulaski County District Court is set for January 13.

Arkansas PBS has not made any further comments at this time, referring to the ongoing review process. The possibility of Hiblen returning to his position remains unclear as the legal case unfolds.