(a)
(1) The Arkansas Educational Television Commission is authorized and empowered to arrange for the use of its facilities, including without limitation tower space, studios, and equipment, by any federal, state, or local governmental agency or by any other person, from time to time, as any of such facilities are not needed by the commission, and to collect fees and charges, as the commission determines to be reasonable, in connection with the use of any such facilities by any other person.
(2) Provided, however, agencies and educational institutions of the State of Arkansas shall have preference for the use of commission facilities over other entities and persons and shall be assessed fees and charges at preferential rates as determined by the commission.
(b) The commission shall be exempt from complying with general provisions of other laws dealing with public commodities and facilities and their acquisition, leasing, or disposition in relation to the use of its studios by other persons in such cases, as advertising for bids would be impractical because of time limitations.
(c) Any revenue received by the commission from the use of its facilities by other persons shall be cash funds pursuant to § 6-3-109.
(d) The commission is authorized to promulgate such rules as it deems necessary for the implementation of this section.