America's Public Television Stations

Stacey Karp joined America’s Public Television Stations in September 2009 as director of communications and was promoted in August 2023 to senior director of communications. Karp manages a wide range of communications, public relations and online media activities that advance public television’s legislative and regulatory objectives. Karp directs and cultivates all contact with media representatives, responding to inquiries about APTS’ work to advance policies and initiatives on behalf of local public television stations. She develops various communications materials, including e-newsletters, press releases, fact sheets, talking points and media advisories, and oversees the organization’s website strategy and execution. Karp directs the  What Works toolbox, a “how-to” guide to better service and more revenue for America’s public television stations. What Works showcases case studies at public television stations that align with public television’s three pillars of public service — education, public safety and civic leadership — as well as state funding.

Karp was also previously the founding director of the Protect My Public Media grassroots advocacy campaign, in partnership with NPR. She worked with NPR to lead, coordinate and direct all aspects of the campaign with and for all local public television and radio stations, national partners and producers. Karp provided leadership in creating and disseminating clear and consistent messages to campaign partners, as well as citizen advocates, through multiple tools, including a dedicated campaign website, email communication, social media, television and radio spots, web tiles and mobile alerts. She served as one of the media contacts for all national media, as well as assisted local stations as they coordinated efforts with their local media.

In November 2012, Karp received an honorable mention from PR News as PR Professional of the Year: Nonprofit/Association. The PR News’ PR People Awards showcase the innovators and leaders of the public relations profession. Karp was selected as a finalist for this award for her role in leading 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting — the grassroots advocacy campaign for public broadcasting that is now called Protect My Public Media.

Karp oversaw the redesign of the APTS website, providing an overhaul of not only the look and feel of the website, but of its architecture as well.  The newly designed website allows all of the APTS’s stakeholders — public television member stations, members of the media, policymakers and the general public — to easily find the valuable information they need about public television. Karp develops policies and procedures that govern the maintenance of the website, ensuring its content is current and presented in a visually pleasing way.

Prior to joining APTS, Karp served as the director of external affairs for San Francisco-based KQED Public Media, KTEH Public Television and KQET Public Television, where she managed government relations and community affairs. Karp maintained and cultivated productive relationships with elected public officials, government agencies, community partners and other organizations throughout Northern California. She was also the lead liaison to special groups and partnerships in regard to promotion and community engagement activities.

Karp was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a certificate in women’s studies. Karp lives in Washington, D.C., with her daughter.