WASHINGTON — February 28, 2012 — The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented its Champion of Public Broadcasting Award, the Association’s highest honor, to Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA).
The award is given to Members of Congress and other individuals who safeguard the ability of local public television stations to provide educational, informational, cultural and other essential public services to their communities.
“Congressman Markey has been a tireless supporter of public broadcasting throughout his career in the House,” said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of APTS, “and he was never more energetic or inspirational than when federal funding for public broadcasting was threatened last year, and in previous years. Not only did the Congressman speak out in defense of public television and radio, but he has organized community efforts and collected public petitions, enlisted the support of other legislators, and even testified before his colleagues in Congress with a memorable tribute to the value of our work.”
“I am honored to receive this award from the Association of Public Television Stations, which has the critical role of bringing the best in educational and cultural programming to America’s living rooms everyday,” said Congressman Markey. “Without APTS, Big Bird would have no nest, Masterpiece Theater would have no stage and America’s homes would be without the treasured communications companion that is public television. I will continue to fight to protect funding for high quality programming for our public television stations, and I look forward to working with APTS to ensure local communities throughout the nation continue to receive the best in educational, cultural and informational programming.”
Congressman Markey is the dean of the Massachusetts delegation, representing the 7th Congressional district since 1976. He is a national leader on technology policy and consumer protection. Having served for 20 years as Chair or Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, he was the principal author of many of the laws now governing our nation’s telephone, broadcasting, cable television, wireless and broadband communications systems. Congressman Markey has been a dedicated supporter of public media in that position.
“WGBH and public media have no greater ally than Congressman Ed Markey,” said Jon Abbott, WGBH president and CEO. “He has advanced the cause of quality children's programs, transformed media into a tool for access for deaf and blind audiences, and been an unwavering advocate of our mission of education and public service. We are enormously grateful for his vision, commitment and leadership.”
Butler concluded: “In addition to his staunch support of public broadcasting in Washington, Congressman Markey has been a vigorous supporter of his local station, WGBH, serving New England. This support helps WGBH serve as PBS’s single largest producer of web and television content in prime-time and children’s programs. Public broadcasting is proud to have Congressman Markey as a partner, and we are honored by his long-time commitment to our mission.”
The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award was presented to Congressman Markey during The APTS Public Media Summit on Tuesday, February 28.
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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