Contact:
Tania Panczyk-Collins
202 654-4222
tpanczyk@apts.org

Public Television Recognizes Senior Congressional Staffer Ann Copland as A Champion of Public Broadcasting
WASHINGTON—February 14, 2008—The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) presented the Champion of Public Broadcasting award to Ann Marie Copland, senior executive and legislative assistant to Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss), for her long-time support of public education funding.

Copland was presented with the Champion this week during APTS Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the progress and growth of Public Television.

A 29-year veteran of Capitol Hill, Copland has assisted Senator Cochran since his election in 1978 with authorizing and funding legislation for federal programs supporting Public Television for children, technology in education, arts education, rural early childhood education, foreign language education and economic education.

“Public Television’s Ready To Learn program has been championed by Ann’s boss, but Ann has served as Ready To Learn’s coach,” said APTS President and CEO John Lawson. “As we approached the Hill to discuss Ready To Learn in the No Child Left Behind legislation, many Senate offices said they understood the benefits of the program because they talked with Ann, making our jobs a lot easier.”

Copland also serves as Senator Cochran’s liaison with the Smithsonian Institute and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; he is a member of both governing boards.