The Association of Public Television Stations has chosen long-time media advocate Lawrence R. Sidman as president and CEO.
Sidman is leaving his partnership at the law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP and his role as chairman of its Government Affairs practice group to take the helm of APTS on Feb.1.
He is a leading communications law attorney and government relations practitioner. He was elected a member of the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers by the consumer electronics industry.
He also served as chief counsel and staff director of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the late 1980s.
“Larry has enjoyed a close working relationship with APTS for more than a decade, fighting side by side with the APTS staff in legislative and regulatory matters covering appropriations, the digital transition, editorial independence and CPB reauthorization,” said APTS Board Chair John Hesse. “We are very fortunate to have Larry lead APTS at this critical time in public television’s history.”
Sidman replaces John Lawson, who stepped down from the post in 2008 and is now executive vice president for policy and strategic for Ion Media Networks.
