WASHINGTON — December 18, 2012 — Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye:
“The public television community is deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye, a true American hero, the pride of his beloved Hawaii, and a steadfast champion of public broadcasting.
“We mourn his loss, but we also celebrate a long life well lived, a record of achievement difficult to match, and a standard of honorable public service and admirable personal qualities to which every American should aspire.
“Our prayers are with his family, and our thanks to Senator Inouye for his support of our work will endure forever.”
In 2007, APTS presented Senator Inouye with the Champion of Public Broadcasting Award. 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.
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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