PUBLIC TELEVISION NAMES UNITED STATES SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE, HI WINNER OF THE 2007 CHAMPION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING AWARD

February 12, 2007 WASHINGTON DC - PBS President and CEO, Paula Kerger and John Lawson, President and CEO of Association of America's Public Television Stations (APTS) presented United States Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii with the 2007 Champion of Public Broadcasting Award during a luncheon at the annual General Managers Planning Meeting this afternoon at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC. PBS Board Chairman, Mary Bitterman and Lynn Novick, producer of Ken Burns' The War were also on hand to commend Senator Inouye's extraordinary and continued support of public broadcasting.

"The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award is reserved for extraordinary leaders who make a vitally important long-term impact on public broadcasting" said Kerger. "Senator Inouye, a champion of public broadcasting from its inception, is one of our strongest allies on Capitol Hill and a key part of PBS Hawaii's ongoing success for the past 40 years. We also deeply appreciate his involvement in Ken Burns' upcoming documentary The War, detailing his personal experiences during World War II. That effort is both a contribution to public broadcasting and gift to American history."

"During his distinguished career in the United States Senate, Senator Daniel Inouye has been a strong supporter and lifelong ally of public television. He is a leader from a generation that shaped what public broadcasting is today, and paved the way for what we can achieve in the digital age. On behalf of APTS and our member stations, we thank Senator Inouye for being a trusted friend and champion" said John Lawson, President and CEO of APTS.

Senator Inouye, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II, was the first American of Japanese descent to serve in the United States House of Representations, and later, the Senate. He has represented the people of Hawaii in the United Stated Congress since it achieved statehood in 1959.

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APTS

The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) was established to support the continued growth and development of a strong and financially sound noncommercial television service for the American public. As broadcasters make the transition to digital, APTS is working to ensure the federal government continues its commitment to universal public television services. APTS Action, Inc. is an affiliated organization of APTS

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