APTS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR TED STEVENS

WASHINGTON—August 11, 2010—The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of former Senator Ted Stevens.  

"Senator Stevens was a remarkable individual and a steadfast supporter of public broadcasting," said Interim President and CEO Lonna Thompson. "He was an instrumental leader in several critical issues affecting public broadcasting, including the transition to digital television and providing unequivocal support of the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), a core program for public broadcasting infrastructure."  

Thompson concluded: "APTS was proud to give Senator Stevens a Champion of Public Broadcasting Award during his time in the Senate. We will always be grateful for his leadership in championing funding and policies necessary for local public stations to provide quality educational programming and critical community services to those most in need throughout our country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Stevens' family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed."   

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. 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.