{b} Firstly we know that there's intelligence in the universe. As I point out on the show there are dolphins and great apes. And you might even throw Homo sapiens into that mix on
the rare occasions when we live up to our self-proclaimed species name. {/b}

A totally specious arguement. Dolphins and apes do not build radio telescopes required for SETI detection, which is the entire point of the SETI endeavor.

{b}It isn't an unreasonable hypothesis that if intelligence has come about on one planet that it may also have arisen elsewhere, especially given the vast number of stars in this and other galaxies.{/b}

It may not be unreasonable but it doed not follow. The author commits what I call the 'large number fallacy'. Just because there are 10exp11 stars in this galaxy means nothing if the probability of life, complex e.g. 'animal' life, and a technological civilization evolving during a star's lifetime is 10exp-20 or whatever. We have NO evidence whatsoever on these numbers. Despite all the astrophysicist hype, there are some noted biologists who claim that even the simplest 1st creation of life was a statistical fluke, not to be repeated within the universe's lifetime. That's just an example of the opposite extreme in science. Most recent astronomical research indicates that organic matter is everywhere but that stable stars with ordered planetary systems without cosmic cataclysms may well be uncommon.

So SETI actually IS a faith based enterprise. Faith that another communications capable intelligence exists at this time within the galaxy. And that they are actively beaconing. Nothing wrong with it being faith based except to those irrationally uncomfortable with the label.