Georgia Public Broadcasting Radio reporter Emily Kopp has been selected to participate in the American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Program. Founded in 1953, the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program is the nation's oldest and most prestigious congressional fellowship.
As a member of the 2007-2008 Class of Congressional Fellows, Kopp will have the opportunity to gain a "hands on" understanding of the legislative process by serving on a congressional staff. The goal of the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program is to enhance public understanding of policy-making and improve the quality of scholarship, teaching and reporting on American national politics.
In her role as a reporter for GPB Radio, Kopp specializes in Georgia politics and manages the state Capitol news bureau, where she covers the General Assembly. Among the issues she has covered in the past year are the battle over school funding between the state and local school systems, Georgia's new immigration law and the financial crisis and enrollment freeze in Georgia's health care program for children.
Among her many honors, Kopp was named 2006 Journalist of the Year in the category of Radio Reporting by the Atlanta Press Club.
Kopp was selected for the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program as part of a nationwide competition. Candidates must first submit their applications for a paper review before being invited before an outside selection panel.
"I strive to produce stories that strike a nerve with our listeners, and perhaps make them think differently about politics," says Kopp. 'When I retire decades from now, I hope that I can look back on my work and believe that I have increased the public's understanding of the political process and how it impacts their lives. The APSA fellowship will serve as a critical stepping stone in my career path because it will allow me to gain insights that will shape my reporting and writing for decades."
In addition to her work for GPB Radio's newscasts, Kopp also regularly contributes to public radio programs including NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as American Public Media's Marketplace.
"Emily's reporting skills and zeal for delivering information to our listeners have greatly contributed to the caliber of GPB Radio news operations," said GPB Executive Director Nancy Hall. "We wish her well as she pursues this wonderful opportunity and look forward to her future career pursuits."
For the latest news from GPB Radio, tune in to one of its 16 stations across the state or visit the Georgia Public Broadcasting web site at www.gpb.org and click on the "Georgia News" icon. You'll find morning and afternoon news headlines, as well as stories from GPB Radio reporters. You can also listen to a daily GPB Radio news podcast.
Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.
Listen to Georgia Public Broadcasting on these 16 stations: Albany - 91.7 FM, Athens - 91.7 FM, Augusta - 90.7 FM, Brunswick - 88.9 FM, Carrollton - 90.7 FM, Columbus - 88.1 FM, Dahlonega - 89.5 FM, Demorest - 88.3 FM, Fort Gaines - 90.9 FM, Macon - 89.7 FM, Savannah - 91.1 FM, Rome - 97.7 FM, St. Marys - 1190 AM, Tifton - 91.1 FM, Valdosta - 91.7 FM, Waycross - 90.1 FM.