WASHINGTON - May 1, 2015 - Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of Charles Benton:
"The public television community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charles Benton, a man of tremendous wisdom, decency and humility.
"We are grateful for Charles's eternal enthusiasm for the potential of public media. He was a steadfast supporter of APTS and regularly attended our annual Public Media Summit in Washington, D.C. No lay leader spoke more passionately and convincingly about the importance of public television with lawmakers than Charles.
"We mourn his loss, but we also celebrate Charles's long life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charles's family."
About APTS
The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1979. APTS represents the overwhelming majority of the 171 public television licensees nationwide. The mission of APTS is to conduct - in concert with member stations - strategic planning, research, advocacy and communications activities to foster strong and financially sound noncommercial television. APTS also works to ensure member stations' commitment and capacity to perform essential public service missions in education, public safety and civic leadership for the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
###