AFTRA PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN,TAKES NEW ROLE AT ACTORS' EQUITY.

Byline: GREG HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

John Connolly, longtime president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, will step down from the post next month. He will be replaced by radio host Bob Edwards, the union announced Tuesday.

Connolly is leaving to become national executive director of Actors' Equity Association. Edwards, AFTRA's first national vice president and the former longtime host of National Public Radio's ``Morning Edition,'' takes over at least until the union's next national board meeting at the end of April.

Connolly, elected AFTRA president three times, described the decision to step down as ``difficult and heart-wrenching.''

``I am humbled by the confidence and responsibility bestowed upon me by Equity's National Council and I pledge to serve our members with all my heart and soul,'' said Connolly, who will begin his new job March 19.

Actors' Equity represents actors and stage managers in theaters within the United States.

Connolly was first elected in 2001 as national president of AFTRA -- the 70,000-member union that represents actors, newscasters, announcers, singers, dancers, comedians and other professionals who work across the media and entertainment industries in television, radio, sound recordings, music videos, commercials and new media.

AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth praised Connolly's efforts Tuesday.

``The energy and passion John demonstrated as AFTRA national president on behalf of actors, recording artists, journalists, and broadcasters working in the media and entertainment industries -- combined with his commitment to the principles of organized labor -- will serve him well in his new role,'' Hedgpeth said.

greg.hernandez(at)dailynews.com

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