WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) has elected former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to a three-year term as an at-large member of the APTS board of trustees. The appointment, effective from February 26, 2024, brings Pai’s extensive experience and strategic insights to the forefront as he joins the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting public television across the nation.
APTS President and CEO Patrick Butler expressed enthusiasm about Pai’s inclusion, stating, “We’re most grateful that he has agreed to contribute his formidable talents to help advance public television’s service to the public.” Having chaired the FCC from 2017 to 2021, Pai demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of public television stations’ missions in education, public safety, and civic leadership.
Pai, currently a partner at Searchlight Capital Partners, a global investment firm, brings a wealth of knowledge gained from working in all three branches of government. His experience includes roles in the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and private sector positions at Jenner & Block LLP and Verizon Communications.
“I am honored to join the distinguished board of America’s Public Television Stations,” said Ajit Pai. “For many years, I have appreciated the thoughtful approach APTS President and CEO Pat Butler and the entire APTS team have brought to challenging communications issues, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help shape that vision going forward as a member of the board of trustees. And I have long recognized the value of public television, from my childhood affinity for Sesame Street through my tenure at the FCC.”
As APTS plans to leverage spectrum assets in service to the American people, Pai’s perspective is expected to play a crucial role.
