Merger FAQ
[section title="What are PBS SoCal/KOCE and KCET doing together?" open="open"]
We have merged to create PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, a donor-supported flagship PBS organization for 19 million diverse people across Southern California. PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA operates the PBS SoCal, KCET and LINK TV multi-platform content channels.
Together, we bring PBS SoCal’s beloved quality programming and community engagement excellence, and KCETLink’s passion for creating smart, original content to Southern California’s diverse audiences. And together we will tell stories that matter across multiple platforms and through unique community engagement experiences that educate, inform, entertain and empower.
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA is governed by a 32-person Board of Trustees composed of current members from the boards of PBS SoCal and KCET, as well as new Board appointees.
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[section title="What happens to PBS SoCal and KCET with the merged organization?"]
The PBS SoCal, KCET and LINK TV content channels will remain, and each will build from its own general program strategies.
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[section title="Does this mean KCET is a PBS member station again?"]
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA is the flagship PBS member station for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, and owns and operates the PBS SoCal, KCET and LINK TV content channels.
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[section title="Who will lead the new organization?"]
Dick Cook is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Andrew Russell is President and CEO of the new organization.
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[section title="How will this affect the channels I watch?"]
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA will continue to broadcast seven channels over the air in Southern California: (PBS SoCal 1 50.1, PBS SoCal 2 50.2, PBS SoCal World 50.4, PBS SoCal KIDS 50.5, KCET 28.1, KCETLink 28.2, NHK World Japan 28.3), and will continue to deliver Link TV via satellite services DirecTV (375) and Dish Network (9410).
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[section title="How will this affect the programs I watch?"]
PBS SoCal, KCET and Link TV will each build from their own general programming strategies, with PBS SoCal continuing to bring Southern California residents the trusted PBS content they love, and KCET continuing to produce original multimedia content. Our commitment is to provide unique, compelling, high-quality programming to Southern California audiences.
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[section title="Will any programs be canceled?"]
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA was formed to provide greater content and viewing options for Southern California. For now, no programming changes are expected.
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[section title="How many channels will the merged organization broadcast?"]
The merged organization will broadcast four PBS SoCal channels and three KCET channels over the air in Southern California, and will continue to deliver Link TV via satellite services DirecTV and Dish.
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[section title="Will our local channels be renamed?"]
No, they will not. Our initial plan is for PBS SoCal, KCET and Link TV to retain their unique brands and channels, and to build from their general programming strategies. PBS SoCal will continue to bring Southern California residents the trusted PBS content they love, and KCET will continue to produce original multimedia content.
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[section title="Can viewers find PBS shows on KCET now, and vice versa?"]
PBS SoCal, KCET and Link TV will build from their unique brand and general programming strategies. We do expect that select PBS programming will be aired and rebroadcast on KCET and that select KCET programs may also air on PBS SoCal to give viewers more windows of opportunities to view the programming.
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[section title="How will this impact Link TV?"]
Link TV will continue to have its unique role in the media landscape and offer an important independent voice through its programming.
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[section title="How does this affect members for each organization and where will my donation go?"]
All members of PBS SoCal and KCET are now members of PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Your contribution supports both PBS and locally-produced programming from KCET.
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[section title="Where will the organization be based? Will you close any locations?"]
To better serve the market, it’s important for PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA to have a physical presence in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We will maintain our offices in Burbank, Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles while we evaluate our space needs.
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[section title="How will viewers benefit?"]
Viewers will have more windows of opportunity to see their favorite PBS and KCET programs. PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA will be able to continue developing local programming. We intend to expand public media audiences in our region and work together to increase awareness of our high quality educational programs.
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[section title="What does this merger mean for the community?"]
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA will play a unique role within PBS, and our region will be the beneficiary. We’ll continue to provide programs – both new and beloved – as well as innovative and experiential ways for people to engage with those programs.
PUBLIC MEDIA GROUP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA will provide the community with greater diversity of programming options across multiple television and digital channels and platforms. We will launch new and more innovative community engagement and educational services. And with more efficient operations, and streamlined fundraising efforts, philanthropic investors will receive a better return on their investment.
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