WASHINGTON – September 17, 2019 – Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of Cokie Roberts.
“America’s Public Television Stations mourn the passing of Cokie Roberts, a pioneer in public broadcasting and a paragon of objective, insightful journalism delivered with a civil tongue and from a deep love for her country.
“Cokie was one of the “founding mothers” of NPR, helping it grow and thrive during her nearly five decades of service and leadership to one of America’s most trusted media institutions. She was also an accomplished author of an array of books that have illuminated people and events that deserve the attention and appreciation of all Americans.
“We were honored to have Cokie as a featured speaker at our 2011 Public Media Summit, and we will be forever grateful for the high standard of citizenship she set for all of us.
“On a personal level, Cokie and I served for many years together on the board of the National Archives Foundation and in other civic enterprises, and our families came to America on the same ship in 1631. I am bereft at the loss of my friend.
“Our prayers are with Steve and the Roberts and Boggs families, and our country is so much better for the long and immensely useful life of Cokie Roberts.”
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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 civic leadership to the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.
Contact:
Stacey Karp
202-654-4222
skarp@apts.org