WASHINGTON — February 28, 2012 — The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented Kathleen Rae, director, government and external affairs, WNET New York Public Media, with the 2012 National Advocacy Award for her exceptional efforts in furthering public television’s legislative goals. The National Advocacy Award recognizes an individual that exemplifies effective advocacy on behalf of public television.
“Kathy Rae has been a long-time leading advocate in our public broadcasting system,” said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of APTS. “She works tirelessly with the New York congressional delegation year in and year out to help achieve our legislative goals. And she is particularly good at engaging the Friends of Thirteen and other community leaders in this important work. Kathy has set a very high standard for grassroots advocacy, and she richly deserves this award. ”
Rae serves as WNET’s liaison with elected officials at city, state and federal government levels on a range of issues of concern to the station including annual funding support, educational and cultural programs, and telecommunications issues. Prior to her current role, Rae served WNET as the director of educational technology, the director of the educational services department, and served as director of the station’s New Jersey operations.
“I am extremely honored to be receiving this National Advocacy Award from APTS,” said Kathy Rae. “I have spent many years advocating for WNET—and public media in general—because I believe so firmly that it is an essential service to our region and our country. I’m happy to have contributed and I’m pleased to be recognized.”
The National Advocacy Award was presented to Kathleen Rae during The APTS Public Media Summit on Tuesday, February 28, in a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington.
About APTS
The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1979. The mission of APTS is to conduct – in concert with member stations – advocacy, planning, research and communications activities in order to achieve strong and financially sound noncommercial television and advanced digital services for the American people. APTS provides consistent leadership and information that helps our members better accomplish their own missions and goals. Through its affiliate APTS Action, APTS promotes the legislative and regulatory interests of noncommercial television stations at the national level through direct advocacy, and grasstops and grassroots campaigns designed to garner congressional support. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
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