American Public Television Honors John Porter & Charlie Pinsky

BOSTON: At the American Public Television (APT) annual Fall Marketplace meeting, former APT CEO John Porter received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Charlie Pinsky was recognized as the Producer of the Year.

Porter’s award was presented to him by the current president and CEO of APT, Cynthis Fenneman, and former APT president and CEO Joe Zesbaugh. Porter served a 29-year tenure as executive director at APT, during which time the company was the first to distribute long-running public television hits such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, The French Chef With Julia Child, the original Three Tenors pledge program, Nightly Business Report, Dr. Andrew Weil and Lord of the Dance.

“John Porter is truly one of the pioneers of public television,” Fenneman said. “During his reign at the helm of APT, John helped to create a vital, necessary, alternative service.”

“John was instrumental in developing innovative programs and developing creative distribution techniques so that stations could strengthen and customize their schedule,” Zesbaugh added. “John nourished (APT) into a reliable and valued source of programming for public television, and his vision served as the foundation for this company for many years to come.”

Pinsky has spearheaded many hit lifestyle programs for APT viewers, including titles such as Spain….on the Road Again; Barbecue University With Steven Raichlen; The Best Recipes in the World With Mark Bittman of The New York Times; Chez Pépin; Dessert Circus With Jacques Torres; Passover: Traditions of Freedom; Spoonful of Ginger: Food as Medicine; and Jacques Pépin: The Apprentice—Then & Now. Pinsky will also produce the upcoming Kimchi Chronicles With Marja and Jean-Georges.

“Charlie has been a leader in developing high-quality, high-impact lifestyle programs for public television viewers,” Fenneman said. “From Spain….on the Road Again to the upcoming Kimchi Chronicles With Marja and Jean-Georges, Charlie’s programs have enriched and enlightened all of our lives.”