News and Events
KQED, Inc. (San Francisco) and KTEH Foundation (San Jose) Form New Broadcast Organization: Northern California Public Broadcasting
San Francisco, May 1, 2006 --- KQED, Inc and the KTEH Foundation today announced their intent to merge and create Northern California Public Broadcasting (NCPB), in a significant move to consolidate the strengths of public broadcasting in the Bay Area. Taking effect immediately, the stations will continue to operate under their own identities and provide their local communities with regularly scheduled television and radio programming and services on KQED, KTEH, and KCAH public television and KQED and KQEI public radio.
With this merger, NCPB is the most watched public television broadcaster and the second most listened-to public radio broadcaster in the country.
The announcement of NCPB was made today by Jeff Clarke, President and CEO of KQED, and Thomas E. Fanella, President and CEO of KTEH. This agreement was approved unanimously by both boards, with board chairs Nick Donatiello (KQED) and John Michael Sobrato (KTEH) presiding. NCPB expects FCC approval of the license transfers within four to six months.
Jeff Clarke, who will take on the additional role of President and CEO of NCPB, said, "KQED, KTEH and KCAH are joining forces to create the best public broadcasting services for Northern Californians. As Northern California Public Broadcasting, we are better equipped to operate and compete in today’s complex and changing media landscape. The strength of our combined resources will provide new opportunities to serve the public while maintaining the integrity of our programs and mission." "Joining KQED to form NCPB reflects the best possible future for public broadcasting in this region," said Fanella, "With this venture, our members and viewers benefit from even more diverse programming, educational outreach, and community services."
"The leaders of KQED, KTEH and KCAH carefully crafted the plan to create the new Northern California Public Broadcasting, and PBS applauds their strategic thinking," said Paula A. Kerger, president and chief executive officer of PBS. "We look forward to working with NCPB to continue providing Northern California with the best children’s, cultural, documentary and news programming that television has to offer."
KQED, KTEH and KCAH television stations broadcast over a geographic region that covers the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito. Through this restructuring, NCPB offers an integrated breadth of service to the communities of the Bay Area that have previously been underserved. Additionally, NCPB ensures viewers of high-quality public broadcasting choices that meet their particular needs. Currently, KTEH and KCAH have access to just 40% of the programs that the national service offers. All three stations will soon have the benefit of the entire PBS content portfolio.
Each television station will continue to have operations in San Francisco, San Jose, and Monterey. Member contributions will continue to reflect the station to which the donor has pledged.
Clarke adds, "The voice and support of our community have never been more crucial to the success of KQED and KTEH. We fully expect the philanthropic and corporate communities and especially our valued members to continue to be the cornerstone of public broadcasting."
KQED Public Broadcasting operates KQED Public Television 9, one of the nation's most-watched public television stations during prime-time, and KQED's digital television channels, which include KQED HD, KQED Encore, KQED World, KQED Life and KQED Kids; KQED Public Radio, the most-listened-to public radio station in the nation with an award-winning news and public affairs program service (88.5 FM in San Francisco and 89.3 FM in Sacramento); KQED.org, one of the most visited station sites in Public Broadcasting; and KQED Education Network, which brings the impact of KQED to thousands of teachers, students, parents and media professionals through workshops, seminars and resources.
The KTEH Foundation operates KTEH Public Television 54 San Jose and KCAH Public Television 25 Watsonville/Monterey. Both channels are carried widely via cable and satellite providers. With a broad reach and a variety of programs, KTEH and KCAH provide Public Broadcasting for Silicon Valley and Monterey regions.
Contact: Yoon Lee 415-553-3338, ylee@kqed.org