WASHINGTON – February 28, 2024 – America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), founder and chair of the Congressional Public Broadcasting Caucus, for his extraordinary leadership on public broadcasting issues throughout his 28-year congressional career.
This is only the third Lifetime Achievement Award given by APTS. The first was to Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in 2014, the second to Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) in 2020.
Congressman Blumenauer formed the Public Broadcasting Caucus in 2001, along with five other founding members. Members of the Caucus are committed to ensuring the continued services of local public television and radio stations, and supporting a strong and financially sound public media system that provides essential public services in education, public safety and civic leadership to the American people.
As a longtime friend to public broadcasting, Congressman Blumenauer skillfully advocates for public media with other Members of Congress, and directly engages with public broadcasting stations, first and foremost in his home state of Oregon, but also with stations around the country to encourage them to continue their important work in local communities.
“No organization has ever had a more passionate, committed and effective champion than public broadcasters have in Congressman Earl Blumenauer,” said APTS president and CEO Patrick Butler. “For almost a quarter of a century, he has been tireless and relentless in his support for our cause. His eloquent advocacy is matched only by his profound and his towering integrity, and he has set a standard for public service to which every political leader should aspire.
“We present our Lifetime Achievement Award only rarely, and no one has ever deserved it more. It is with profound gratitude that America’s Public Television Stations give this very special recognition to the incomparable Earl Blumenauer.”
“Public broadcasting’s dependable, unbiased, local and national news coverage is more important than ever. There’s a reason it’s the most trusted name in news. I have helped fend off political attacks and build support for this vital communication link for decades,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “I’m honored to accept this award and will continue to be a partner in the work ahead. We must continue to lay the groundwork in Congress and beyond, not just for the fate of the democracy, as if that wasn’t enough.”
A lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon, Congressman Blumenauer is one of Oregon's innovative leaders. Raised in SE Portland, Congressman Blumenauer attended Centennial High School. While still a college student at Lewis and Clark College, he led the campaign in Oregon to lower the voting age. He was a key player just two years later as one of the youngest legislators in Oregon's history in a landmark session for school funding, ethics reform and Oregon's groundbreaking land use laws.
As a Multnomah County Commissioner and member of the Portland City Council, Earl's innovative accomplishments in transportation with light rail, bicycles and the street car, planning and environmental programs and public participation helped Portland earn an international reputation as one of America's most livable cities.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Earl has been a tireless advocate for the 3rd Congressional District. He's recognized for his creative, innovative policies and accomplishments, and also his political leadership in Oregon and nationwide. He tackles controversial issues and finds ways to break ideological and partisan gridlock with a unique approach to problem solving that brings people together.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) during the APTS Public Media Summit on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
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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