WASHINGTON – May 30, 2019 – Patrick Butler, president and chief executive officer of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), made the following statement today on the passing of Senator Thad Cochran.
“America’s Public Television Stations mourn the loss of Senator Thad Cochran, our long-time champion on Capitol Hill whose support sustained us over more than four decades.
“Senator Cochran set a standard for decency and quiet effectiveness in Washington that fostered great progress for his beloved State of Mississippi and for the country he served so honorably and well.
“Senator Cochran will hold a permanent place of honor in our system as the author of the Ready To Learn Act that has helped millions of pre-school children prepare for success in school and in life.
“And his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee was distinguished by his unfailing commitment to the work of public broadcasting. I was honored to present Senator Cochran with our Champion of Public Broadcasting Award in 2011.
“His devotion to our work began with his father’s founding chairmanship of the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Commission in the 1960s, and that devotion only grew over the next five decades.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his fine family, and as he goes to his rest we hope they are comforted by the memory of a long, loving and immensely useful life.”
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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