Capitol Hill Day 2010 Postponed

Because Washington DC is being impacted by one of the largest blizzards in the recorded history of this area, with snowfall levels expected to approach 30 inches in some areas, there is a substantial likelihood that all business in this area—including Congress—will be severely disrupted for several days. It is virtually certain that the federal government will be closed on Monday, and perhaps even Tuesday.

As a result, APTS has determined that Capitol Hill Day 2010 should be postponed at this time. We are exploring dates for rescheduling it or using alternative approaches, such as webinars or video conferences to provide timely information. At this point, APTS is asking Capitol Hill Day registrants to contact their airlines and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 1 (800) 241-3333 to cancel their travel plans. We believe this is the only prudent approach to take in light of the current circumstances.

APTS will be in touch with the station community as soon as we determine whether we will reschedule the meeting or whether we will use alternative methods such as webinars or video conferences. If we do not reschedule Capitol Hill Day, all of your registration payments will be refunded.

APTS Statement on the President's FY 2011 Budget 

The President submitted his Fiscal Year 2011 budget to Congress, recommending a total of $496 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) including a $460 million two-year advance appropriation for FY 2013 (an increase of $15 million over FY 2012) and $36 million for public television and radio digital conversion, content and services.  

"We are grateful to the Administration for acknowledging the vital service public broadcasting provides to the American people. The proposed increase in the advance appropriation reflects a recognition of the enormous return on investment public broadcasting generates regarding education, job training and disease prevention. However, we are concerned that the President's budget does not recommend funding for many vital programs and services that local public television stations provide," said Larry Sidman, President and CEO of the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS).  

"The President's budget request does not include money for the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, an essential program which funds infrastructure and equipment upgrades and replacements for public broadcasting stations, and the RUS Digital Transition Grant Program, a program to ensure that the digital conversion does not leave rural America behind," Sidman continued. "Funding through these programs serves two compelling government interests: creating new construction and infrastructure jobs, and ensuring that rural communities are able to share in the fruits of the digital age."  

Sidman continued, "Moreover, Ready To Learn and Ready To Teach, two programs that are critically important to the education of America's children, have been consolidated into larger education programs, without specific funding attached to them. The future of these programs that have been proven to work so well for America's children and teachers should not be jeopardized."  

Sidman concluded, "APTS looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress as they proceed to work through the budget for FY 2011. We will again make our case for fully funding public broadcasting so that we can continue to serve the American people with the valuable programming and services we provide over-the-air, on-line and on-the-ground to local communities across our country."

Join APTS for Capitol Hill Day 2010 -- February 7 - 9, 2010

The Association of Public Television Stations will be hosting its annual Capitol Hill Day Conference February 7-9, 2010 in Washington DC. Registration is open at this time. This year, APTS invites public television station general managers, congressional liaisons, lay delegates and APTS associate members to join us our annual membership meeting. The technological, political and economic changes in our country make this Capitol Hill Day a time of important opportunities and challenges for public television.

Public television stations are moving beyond broadcasting, offering community-focused news, information and public affairs that truly engage diverse audiences. With the advent of digital, stations are reaching audiences with high quality digital content distributed over multiple platforms, including over-the-air, through paid platforms, via the Internet.

At Capitol Hill Day 2010, station professionals and lay leaders will play a major role in making the case to Congress to maximize Federal support for stations through the FY 2011 Appropriations cycle. The continued economic stresses confronting stations, including severe reductions in state funding, means it is essential for us to not only maintain, but grow our federal funding.

Please visit the Capitol Hill Day 2010 website to learn more and register.

APTS Launches Grant Center Website

The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is proud to announce the launch of the APTS Grant Center website. The Grant Center is an 18-month long project funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The mission of the center is to connect public broadcasting stations with federal and foundation funding opportunities.   

To visit the APTS Grant Center, click here.  

In order to access the APTS Grant Center, a password is needed. You can request a password here.