The Ahmanson Foundation Supports KCET's Conversion to Independent Public Television With $1 Million Grant

The Ahmanson Foundation Supports KCET's Conversion to Independent Public Television With $1 Million Grant

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As KCET prepares for its role as the country's largest independent public television station, effective January 1, 2011, The Ahmanson Foundation in Los Angeles, has awarded KCET a $1 million grant for the purpose of converting KCET to an independent public television station, it was announced today by Al Jerome, KCET president and CEO.

"The Ahmanson Foundation has been one of KCET's most important and longstanding foundation supporters," said Jerome. "The foundation has provided grants for all three seasons of SoCal Connected, and it has underwritten the local broadcast of Nova on KCET for many years.

"This expression of strong support for KCET at this critical juncture in our history is an inspiration as we continue our efforts to make this new independent KCET a model for independent public media in the 21st century."

The Ahmanson Foundation's stated mission includes a commitment to support "non-profit organizations that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity," and by doing so, "the Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life and cultural legacy of the Los Angeles community."

About The Ahmanson Foundation

The Ahmanson Foundation was incorporated in 1952 as a private foundation with initial funding from financier Howard F. Ahmanson and his wife, Dorothy Grannis Ahmanson. The Ahmanson Foundation serves Los Angeles County by funding cultural projects in the arts and humanities, education at all levels, health care, programs related to homelessness and underserved populations as well as a wide range of human services. By supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity, the Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life and cultural legacy of the Los Angeles community.

About KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. More than four million viewers watch KCET in the average month. KCET, which becomes the largest independent public television station in the country effective January 1, 2011, produces the Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern California. Throughout its more than 40-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. More than half of the funds raised to support KCET's operating budget come from individual support. For additional information about KCET productions, Web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.

SOURCE KCET

KCET

CONTACT: Cathy Williams, KCET, +1-323-953-5243, cwilliams@kcet.org

Web Site: http://www.kcet.org

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