Oregon Rep. Blumenauer receives Lifetime Achievement Award for broadcast TV support

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award from America’s Public Television Stations on Wednesday for his work supporting public broadcasting throughout his 28-year career in Congress.

The congressman advocates for public media with lawmakers across the political spectrum and formed the bipartisan Public Broadcasting Caucus in 2001 to ensure continued service from local public TV and radio stations.

“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,” Blumenauer said.

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He added, “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.”

“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,” Butler continued.

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The congressman has previously accepted broadcasting awards from the National Public Radio Board of Directors in 2005 (earning the Public Radio Leadership Award,) the Public Broadcasting System’s Leadership Award in 2006, the Center for Public Broadcasting’s Ralph Lowell Award in 2010, and the American Public Television Station’s Champion of Broadcasting Award in 2011.

The District 3 representative announced in October he will not seek reelection in 2024 after 50 years in elected office, nearly 30 of which were as a U.S. congressman.

This marks the third Lifetime Achievement Award given by APTS. The first award was presented to Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) in 2014, and the second was awarded to Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) in 2020.

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