WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 30, 2026 – Kate Riley, President and Chief Executive Officer of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), issued the following statement today on the passing of Eddie Kaplan, former APTS Board Member and former Chair of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission.
“America’s Public Television Stations are saddened by the passing of Eddie Kaplan, one of public television’s most steadfast and generous supporters. His quiet yet persuasive leadership and expertise benefited Maryland Public Television, America’s Public Television Stations and the entire public television system.
“In addition to serving on the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission for 30 years and as Chair for 18 years, we are proud and grateful for Eddie’s six years of service on the board of APTS. Eddie’s insightful leadership and contributions as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee have had a lasting positive impact on the organization.
“Eddie’s never-ending willingness to volunteer his time and energy to Maryland Public Television and APTS earned him the APTS 2020 David J. Brugger Lay Leadership Award, recognizing the dedicated leadership and service to public television by an outstanding community leader.
“In addition, as a parting gesture on leaving the APTS board in 2019, Eddie endowed the Edward H. Kaplan Fund giving APTS the financial flexibility to deal quickly and effectively with unanticipated challenges and opportunities.
“We are immensely grateful for Eddie’s longstanding commitment to public television. He will be greatly missed, but his dedication and service have built a legacy that will continue long into the future. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
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About APTS
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization ensuring a strong and financially sound public television system and helping member stations provide essential public services in education, public safety and community connections to their local areas and the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org