Veteran journalist Dean Borg, the longest-serving program host in Iowa Public Television history, will retire from the weekly program “Iowa Press” early next year, IPT reported. Borg, a native of Forest City, has been with the statewide network and “Iowa Press” for more than four decades, appearing in the show’s inaugural broadcast in 1971. He is a familiar face on IPT as he interviews political figures and explores issues of statewide and national importance. “Dean’s contributions to Iowa Public Television and specifically to ‘Iowa Press’ are too numerous to count,” said Molly Phillips, IPTV executive director and general manager. Among his many awards are the Iowa Broadcast News Association’s Jack Shelley Award, the Greenlee School of Journalism’s Schwartz Award at Iowa State University, and the six-state Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Charnley Award. ISU has also honored Borg with its Distinguished Achievement Citation, ISU’s highest award to alumni. Borg’s last day as host of “Iowa Press” will be Jan. 13. His replacement will be named later.