With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
KCET and Link TV announce merger
KCET's landmark studio on Sunset Blvd. was sold in 2011 to the Church of Scientology.
(
Fire Monkey Fish/Flickr (cc by-nc-sa)
)
Listen
0:59
KCET and Link TV announce merger
Southern California public TV station KCET and Link Media announced a merger Wednesday to create KCETLink.
A statement from KCET called the new entity "a powerful new independent public transmedia company that acquires, produces and distributes provocative global programming targeted to a national audience across multiple media platforms."
Link Media is an independent non-profit media company that operates the Link TV national satellite network and online international news portal, LinkNews.
KCET is now the largest independent non-commercial TV station, after parting ways with the national Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in January 2011.
Sponsored message
The newly-formed KCETLink will be available in 33 million households via DIRECTV and DISH Network and 5.6 million households on KCET in Southern California, the nation's 2nd largest television market, according to the KCET statement.
KCET posted an FAQ offering more details on the merger and the future of KCET.
The statement said current KCET head Al Jerome will serve as KCETLink's Chief Executive Officer, with Paul Mason of Link TV becoming Chief Strategy Officer.
"With our combined resources, we are taking a bold step forward to become architects of a new sustainable model for the industry to keep public media thriving as a vital resource in the digital age," Jerome said in the statement.
The company will be headquartered in KCET's production facility in Burbank. Last year, KCET left its
4.5-acre property on Sunset Blvd. and sold it to the Church of Scientology.
KCET's primary channel will continue to air its own locally-produced and acquired programs.
The financial details of the KCETLink merger were not disclosed.
Sponsored message
KCET’s split with PBS, largely over dues, and its sale of its Sunset Boulevard facility prompted concern about the public TV station’s financial stability.
This story has been updated.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
