Benton Receives Ethics in Telecommunications Award
Roxana Ryan
Published: September 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, September 26, 2012 -- Charles Benton, chairman of the board of the Benton Foundation and vice chairman of Partnership for a Connected Illinois, has received the Everett C. Parker Ethics in Telecommunications Award in recognition of his many years of leadership and support for promoting the public interest in digital and transitional media.
The annual event celebrates the legacy of Rev. Dr. Parker, who worked to establish the public’s right to intervene in the awarding of broadcast licenses in the United States.
Over the past several decades, Benton has been a leader in policy debates over media reform, telecommunications policy, digital access and the role of the Internet in education. In the 1960s, Benton became involved with the National Citizens Committee for Broadcasting, one of the first organizations to build on Everett Parker’s work.
“I’m deeply honored by this award on its 30th Anniversary and on the eve of Dr. Everett Parker’s 100th birthday next January 17th. I’m also proud of my 2 years of service as the Chairman of the Board of the Parnership for a Connected Illinois during its rapid growth as the state’s leading broadband data and development advocate," said Benton.
"Beginning this month, and looking forward to my appointment in October by President Obama to the board of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, I’m happy to yield my Chairmanship to our current Vice Chairman, Bob Taylor, and to assume his role as Vice Chair going forward," Benton continued. "This will allow me to focus my time and energy for PCI on our statewide and project research, developments in the Chicago metropolitan area, and our long term sustainability – all areas of critical need for the organization. I look forward to my future work with our outstanding board and staff toward PCI’s goals of universal broadband access and use in Illinois.”
Photo Caption: (L to R): Charles Benton, S. Jenell Trigg, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and Earl Williams, UCC OC Inc. Chair.
Photo credit: Liz Roll.