WASHINGTON – February 26, 2025 – America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented the Champion of Public Broadcasting Award to Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID).
The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award is the organization’s highest honor, given annually to champions in Congress and state government for their extraordinary support of public television.
Congressman Simpson’s longstanding support has been invaluable to advancing the public service mission of local public television stations, particularly those serving rural areas.
“Congressman Simpson has been an unwavering supporter of the essential value of local public broadcasting stations and the important role stations like Idaho Public Television play in communities throughout the nation, especially in serving rural communities,” said APTS president and CEO Kate Riley. “He has always been an effective champion of public broadcasting, and we are proud to have earned his enduring support.
“We are extremely grateful for Congressman Simpson’s ongoing, strong commitment to ensuring all Americans have access to the essential local services provided by public television stations, from emergency alerts and warnings, to high-quality, educational resources and local programming and events that foster community connections. We are honored to present Congressman Mike Simpson with the 2025 Champion of Public Broadcasting Award he so richly deserves.”
Congressman Mike Simpson is a proud Idaho native who was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. Simpson graduated from Utah State University and earned his DMD from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation, Simpson joined his father and uncle at the Simpson Family Dental Practice in Blackfoot before serving in the Blackfoot City Council and eventually in the Idaho State Legislature.
After spending four years on the Blackfoot City Council, Congressman Simpson was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998. Simpson also served as Speaker of the House during his last six years in State Legislature.
Congressman Simpson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999 and has served Idaho’s second congressional district for thirteen terms.
Currently, Congressman Simpson serves as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. He also serves on the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee on Appropriations.
The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award was presented to Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) during the APTS Public Media Summit on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
###
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