APTS, PBS and NCTA Statement Regarding Renewal of 2005 Public Television Digital Cable Carriage Agreement

WASHINGTON - February ­21, 2016 - The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) are pleased to announce today the renewal of their historic 2005 Public Television Digital Cable Carriage Agreement with the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA). The renewal of this agreement ensures that local public television stations' multicast digital programming will be carried on cable systems serving the vast majority of the nation's cable subscribers. The renewal agreement is a recognition of the quality programming and public service that public television provides to the American people and benefits the millions of consumers who receive this programming over cable. We are pleased to continue this great partnership.

About APTS
The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 1979. APTS represents the overwhelming majority of the 171 public television licensees nationwide. The mission of APTS is to conduct - in concert with member stations - advocacy, planning, research and communications activities to foster strong and financially sound noncommercial television. APTS also works to ensure member stations' commitment and capacity to perform essential public service missions in education, public safety and civic leadership for the American people. For more information, visit www.apts.org.

About PBS
PBS, with 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 33 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on TwitterFacebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following  PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

About NCTA
NCTA is the principal trade association for the U.S. cable industry, representing cable operators that deliver advanced digital services to consumers and businesses throughout urban and rural America, and more than 200 cable program networks that produce TV's most creative and popular shows. The U.S. cable industry is the largest provider of high-speed Internet access, serving more than 59 million customers, after investing $245 billion since 1996 to build robust fiber optic networks that reach 93 percent of American homes. The cable industry supports 2.7 million American jobs and there are at least 300 cable employees in every congressional district.

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