Josh Groban, Jamie Lee Curtis Among Stars to Appear on PBS SoCal Telethon Supporting Public TV In Wake of Trump’s Elimination of Funding

In the wake of the Trump administration’s defunding of public broadcasting, local stations PBS SoCal (KOCE and KCET) are planning a telethon next week from the PBS outfit’s Burbank Studios home. “We ❤ Public Television!” is billed as a live, three hour telethon “honoring 55 remarkable years of public television – America’s trusted, free public media service that reaches every city, town and rural community across the nation.​.. This program celebrates the extraordinary musical artists and personalities who have graced PBS stages and screens, showcasing the cultural richness that public media and local PBS stations offer all Americans.”

Set to take place on Saturday, Nov, 8 at 4 p.m. PT, Rickey Minor will serve as music director for the telecast. Guests right now are scheduled to include Josh Groban, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ken Burns, Ziggy Marley, Lily Tomlin, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Marlee Matlin, Nicholas Ralph, Noel Paul Stookey, Rick Steves, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Adam Arkin, Courtney Vance, Martha Plimpton, Joe Bonamassa, Sheléa, Jesse Cook, Judy Blume, Celtic Woman, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Mychal the Librarian, Lindsey Stirling and more.

The telethon will also feature performances from Nashville PBS including Kathy Mattea, Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor.

After its initial broadcast on PBS SoCal, “We ❤ Public Television” will air on PBS stations across the country on Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving night). It will also be available on the PBS app from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Additionally, PBS SoCal will rebroadcast the event on Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m. PT.

Read more here.

PBS SoCal Finally Opens an Office in Los Angeles

Costa Mesa-based PBS SoCal (KOCE-TV) has been talking about opening a Los Angeles office from the moment it took over as L.A.'s primary PBS station (from KCET) in 2011. (In 2012, KOCE president Mel Rogers told us he had hired a real estate firm and that an office might be open by that summer.)

It took a little longer than expected, but PBS SoCal has found its secondary L.A. home: 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1070. Details:

This Los Angeles office will be a West Side hub for PBS SoCal’s activities with arts and culture, early learning for kids, civic engagement, and content partners. The space will also serve as home to an L.A.-focused Development team spearheaded by PBS SoCal’s new Executive Vice President for Development, Daniel M. Graham.

Graham’s work as an executive in the non-profit sector has included senior positions at UCLA and House Research Institute, where he was responsible for the development, marketing, creative services and communication departments. He also served on faculty at a major university as a tenured professor of music. Graham received his doctorate degree from Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, his Master of Music degree from Yale University and his BA from the University of Minnesota.

"Los Angeles is a central constituency we serve; a global center for music, art, media, and education; and one of the most diverse communities in America. Our presence in this community is key to PBS SoCal’s roles as Southern California’s largest stage for the arts, its largest classroom and a window to the world. We will continue to grow our iconic programming and outreach that educates, entertains and enlightens the region,” said Mel Rogers, PBS SoCal President and CEO.

Last month we gave you the inside skinny on how PBS SoCal landed the TV rights to the annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration after decades on KCET.

L.A. County Holiday Celebration Drops KCET, Moves to PBS SoCal

In yet another blow to L.A.'s once-mighty (but now underdog) former PBS station KCET, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission is moving its Emmy-winning annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration to rival KOCE-TV ("PBS SoCal") effective this December 24.

KCET had broadcast the annual event, one of Los Angeles County's most popular (and free!) traditions, since 1965. (The late Kenneth Hahn founded the free show, held for the people of the County every December 24, in 1959.)

But KCET isn't the station it once was since splitting with PBS and going independent. And this year, the County decided it would be best to go with KOCE/PBS SoCal, which is now the Los Angeles market's primary PBS station. "The Arts Commission decided to work with PBS SoCal because they are the primary PBS station for the greater Los Angeles area," a spokesperson tells us. "They offered a more robust partnership - larger financial contribution to the production of the show, stronger marketing support, broader Southern California audience. The production itself will not change."

We attend the event every year -- check out our past coverage here. It's a nice way to celebrate Christmas Eve. Details, in case you've never been:

The three-hour holiday event features choirs, music ensembles and dance companies representing the diverse cultures and holiday traditions from throughout Southern California. Approximately 5,000 people attend the live show each year.

The 55th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is presented by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, and produced by CDK Productions. The complete list of performers will be announced in October. The 54th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is the recipient of a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award.

"Downton Abbey" Performs Splendidly for PBS SoCal

Over at LA Observed, Mark Lacter noted that there still seems to be little buzz surrounding Southern California's PBS outlet KOCE ("PBS SoCal"), which took over as the market's primary PBS member station when KCET severed ties with PBS at the start of 2011.

Indeed, it remains to be seen whether KOCE can capitalize on the massive success of "Downton Abbey" to solidify its ratings the rest of the year. But this much is apparent: People have found KOCE, and at least when it offers up PBS fare that they want to watch, the audience will show up.

On Sunday night, a strong 361,000 viewers in the Los Angeles market tuned in to the season three finale of "Downton Abbey" on KOCE -- that's up from 166,000 last year. What's more, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday night, KOCE was the second-most watched English-language TV station in the market. (I don't have KMEX data, but the Univision station frequently trumps everyone out here.) Only KCBS (which attracted 415,000 for "The Good Wife" and "The Mentalist") did better. (A "Downton Abbey" repeat of the previous week's episode at 7 p.m. was competitive with KTLA, KCAL and KCOP.)

In the adults 25-54 demo, KOCE actually won the 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.time slot -- averaging 162,000 viewers to KCBS' 138,000.

Those ratings mirror "Downton's" big growth story nationally (8.2 million viewers, up 52% from the Season 2 finale). Not bad for a station that was an also-ran Orange County PBS station until 2011 -- and was nearly sold off to a religious broadcaster.

Here's what I wrote last year after the season 2 "Downton Abbey" finale. Much of it still applies:

"It came along at the right time," says KOCE president and general manager Mel Rogers. "L.A. is notoriously difficult for public TV and non-commercial broadcasters, but we feel really good about this."

Most regular PBS viewers in Southern California have already made the switch to KOCE, Rogers said. "The core viewer figured it out," he said. "The problem is once we get into other dayparts. There's still brand confusion, either people don't know where PBS is or don't understand what happened. People will call us 'KCET.'"

But for casual viewers who might not have been aware of the L.A. change, "Downton" was invaluable. "'Downton Abbey' enabled us to reach audiences that are not just the typical PBS audience, including younger people, and gave us a chance to establish ourselves as the area's PBS station," Rogers said.

Previously a secondary PBS station that focused on its Orange County audience, KOCE saw its ratings spike last year when it took over the region's primary PBS affiliation. "The day I really felt lucky was the day KCET decided to give up the most trusted media brand and walk away from it," Rogers said.

That all being said, KOCE has a long way to go before it becomes a Los Angeles institution the way KCET was. PBS stations tend to be bureaucracies with a lot of competing interests, which make these stations tough to move nimbly. But as that year-to-year "Downton Abbey" growth shows, at least the station seems to be heading in the right direction.

Mike on TV: Talking Emmys and 'Downton Abbey' on PBS SoCal

I traveled down to Costa Mesa (!) the other day to appear as a guest on the KOCE-TV ("PBS SoCal") news show SoCal Insider. (Yes, the things I do for my media whoredom!) We had a good, wide-ranging conversation about the Emmys, "Downton Abbey," the current golden age of drama, TV's evolving platforms, the TV news biz, and a lot more. Watch the segment below.

Watch Is An Emmy in Downton Abbey's Future? on PBS. See more from SoCaL Insider with Rick Reiff.

"Downton Abbey" Gives L.A.'s New Primary PBS Station a Boost

"Downton Abbey," season two

The "Downton Abbey" phenomenon couldn't have come at a better time for Southern California's new primary PBS station.

"Downton" ended its second season run on Sunday by attracting a 2.3 rating and 4 share in the Los Angeles market (ahead of KCAL, KTLA and KCOP among English stations), as well as 166,000 viewers here. The period drama has grown its L.A. audience every week of its run. For KOCE (Channel 50), the hit series has helped cement word around Southern California that it is the region's new PBS home.

It's only been a year since KOCE, which now refers to itself as "PBS SoCal," found itself suddenly thrust into the big leagues as the main PBS broadcaster in the nation's No. 2 TV market. A year later, KOCE is benefiting from "Downton" mania (the program even landed PBS' first TV Guide Magazine cover for a non-kids show in 32 years). And that also means the market's former PBS station, KCET -- which severed ties with PBS at the start of 2011 -- is missing out on the show that The Daily Beast says helped make PBS "cool" again.

"It came along at the right time," says KOCE president and general manager Mel Rogers. "L.A. is notoriously difficult for public TV and non-commercial broadcasters, but we feel really good about this."

Most regular PBS viewers in Southern California have already made the switch to KOCE, Rogers said. "The core viewer figured it out," he said. "The problem is once we get into other dayparts. There's still brand confusion, either people don't know where PBS is or don't understand what happened. People will call us 'KCET.'"

But for casual viewers who might not have been aware of the L.A. change, "Downton" was invaluable. "'Downton Abbey' enabled us to reach audiences that are not just the typical PBS audience, including younger people, and gave us a chance to establish ourselves as the area's PBS station," Rogers said.

Previously a secondary PBS station that focused on its Orange County audience, KOCE saw its ratings spike last year when it took over the region's primary PBS affiliation. "The day I really felt lucky was the day KCET decided to give up the most trusted media brand and walk away from it," Rogers said.

That meant KOCE now got first crack at airing signature PBS programs like "Masterpiece Classic," the 40-year TV franchise from WGBH-Boston that co-produces "Downton Abbey" and distributes it to PBS-member stations. "Downton" averaged at least a ratings point higher for KOCE than last year's major "Masterpiece" program, "Sherlock."

The switch happened so fast for KOCE that some things, including fundraising, have been slow going -- particularly given the rough economy, which has impacted charitable donations across the country. KOCE had been raising around $10 million annually, a number that is now up to $14 million -- but Rogers expects to see more of a spike in the future now that underwriters are starting to find the station. "These things build upon themselves. It takes time to build those relationships in L.A.," he said.

On-air pledges are way up, though: Even though KOCE has cut its pledge drive hours by 45%, the station has seen its pledge dollars jump by 52%, Rogers said. That will help cover KOCE's PBS dues, which have tripled since the station became L.A.'s primary affiliate.

KCET, of course, dumped PBS because of skyrocketing dues. Will KOCE suffer the same fate? "I personally think that the dues issue has been overstated," Rogers said. "Over the years it seemed like KCET was unhappy with PBS for one reason or another. We have a different view of PBS, we think they're terrific." Of course, Rogers would love to see PBS suspend KOCE's dues temporarily as it races to fulfill its new duty as L.A.'s PBS station, but he knows that won't happen. "PBS isn't a network, it's a membership organization, and members have to live by the rules," he said.

KOCE will also need more funds to add staff members (which currently number 50, up from 38 before the transition), and the station is also anxious to increase its presence in L.A. The station, which recently opened new facilities in Costa Mesa, has just inked an agreement with a commercial real estate firm to find an office here in L.A. "I hope we get it done this summer," Rogers said.

Already, KOCE is looking to cover more of Southern California, starting with its renamed signature series "SoCal Insider," which airs on Friday nights. The station is also close to partnering with New York's PBS station, WNET, on a new arts series. Rogers said he'd eventually like to produce L.A.-centric fare for the PBS service (something KCET tried for years to do, with mixed results).

KOCE is also still working with secondary PBS stations KVCR and KLCS in coordinating their program schedules -- but an early plan for all three stations to cross promote each other was tossed out after they realized that it was causing more brand confusion. Given KOCE's makeover as PBS SoCal, the attempt to also promote KVCR and KLCS "was too much for the public to absorb," Rogers said. "It will take some time to establish our new name and make sure it's solidly in people's minds."

For its first major outdoor marketing campaign, KOCE bought bus ads -- in Spanish -- to promote its PBS Kids fare. That might seem like a strange first promo push, but Rogers said after the switch the station quickly realized that the Latino audience had not shown up.

"The Hispanic audience is always a strong viewer of PBS Kids content -- including some adults, as it's good for learning English," Rogers said. "We put our heads together with PBS, and they helped out with a little bit of money, to put together this campaign in Spanish. It appears to be working. Our kids audience grew 113% this year."

Rogers is also busy expanding KOCE's Orange County education initiative to all of Southern California, and rebranding it "PBS SoCal Education."

"If I had been smart enough to see this coming, I wouldn't have focused on Orange County all of these years," Rogers said. "But what KCET did had never happened before. I hope people will be patient with us."

Will KCET Ever Reunite With PBS?

In this week's Broadcasting and Cable, reporter John Eggerton speaks to KCET Board Chairman Gordon Bava, who discusses the station's recent decision to dump PBS and go independent.

Would KCET ever look to once again become a PBS station? "That is certainly a possibility... When the dust settles and we see maybe in a couple of years what the future of PBS holds and its role will be, we certainly would be open to returning on a reasonable and sustainable basis," Bava told the trade publication.

The L.A. Times' Jim Rainey is shocked by Bava's comments: "But given Bava's previous tough talk about PBS and its fees, he must have stunned a lot of people by holding the door open to a renewed relationship with KCET. I doubt many of the people in charge at PBS would welcome a second marriage."

When I spoke to PBS CEO Paula Kerger earlier this month, I asked her the same question: Would she be willing to bring KCET back into the fold as a secondary PBS station for Los Angeles?

She seemed surprised by my question, and couldn't fathom such a notion. Yet that's what KCET wanted all along: It didn't want the cost burden of being L.A.'s primary PBS station anymore. That's why KCET proposed a partnership with fellow local PBS stations KOCE, KVCR and KLCS. The idea was to share programming and not have one primary PBS affiliate here.

But time ran out -- and KCET, in its haste, decided to pull the plug all together when PBS balked at the idea. But with KCET out of the picture, a consortium between KOCE, KVCR and KLCS has indeed blossomed. KOCE GM Mel Rogers even told me that he can see a time when KOCE isn't a primary PBS station, as all three outlets share programming.

KCET needs programming, and I bet they'd be willing to become a secondary PBS station even as KOCE continued as the primary PBS station here. (Which would be a reversal of how it used to be, when KCET got first crack at PBS programming while stations like KOCE waited their turn for secondary runs.)

But quite honestly, I don't think PBS is looking to reestablish a partnership with KCET anytime soon.

PBS SoCal Ponders Los Angeles Office; Looks To Hire More Staffers

KOCE-TV prexy/CEO Mel Rogers said his station -- which became L.A.'s primary PBS affiliate -- on Jan. 1.continues to plot out how it will now serve the larger region.

KOCE, now rebranded "PBS SoCal," just moved into larger Costa Mesa facilities, but is also looking at ways to create a physical presence in Los Angeles.

"We do need boots on the ground," he said.

KOCE is also looking to expand its staff, which currently numbers only around 40.

"We're never going to be as large (as KCET is), but we’re going to have to be at least 70 to 80 people," he said.

Rogers said the new consortium is still figuring out its program sharing. KVCR, for example, is now airing "Charlie Rose" at 11 p.m. But because KVCR isn't as widely available throughout Southern California, KOCE will repeat the show at midnight.

Also, KOCE has moved PBS' signature "Independent Lens" to KLCS in order to create a night of independent documentary programming.

Rogers said he still marvels at the reversal of fortune for KOCE, which nearly went off the air all together just a few years ago.

When the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees sold the station to the KOCE Foundation in 2004, religious broadcaster Daystar (which had made a major play for the license) sued – which dried up funding, Rogers said, as it looked like KOCE might not survive.

Then, when KOCE and Daystar settled their legal battle, the recession came soon after.

"Our obituary has been written many times," Rogers said.

PBS president Paula Kerger opened the public broadcaster’s portion of the TV Critics Assn. press tour on Saturday with Rogers.

"I believed to the very end" that PBS would come to an understanding with KCET, Kerger said. "We did everything that we could do to come to a positive resolution. (But) they believe there is room for a different type of public station, and that’s the path they have embarked on. I hope they’re successful."

Kerger said PBS has worked closely with KOCE in the transition, as well as San Bernardino’s KVCR and the L.A. Unified School District's KLCS. Together, the three stations have created a new local PBS consortium to coordinate scheduling and share resources. (KCET, which had initially created the idea, is not a part of that new group.)

KOCE Rebrands Itself as "PBS SoCal"

We're just 15 days away from the Great Southern California PBS Shakeout, and Orange County's KOCE -- soon to be the region's chief PBS station -- has unveiled more of its transition plans.

KOCE announced Thursday that it will rebrand itself as PBS SoCal, complete with a brand new website, PBSSoCal.org.

Here's where it gets confusing: KCET also frequently uses the "SoCal" tag, including for its signature newsmagazine show, "SoCal Connected." This is going to lead to more hair-pulling by local public broadcasting viewers.

KOCE has also signed new deals with regional cable operators, including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, Mediacom, Suddenlink Communications and Time Warner Cable, to add distribution or improve channel positioning.

The new website will focus on KOCE but also iclude some program info for LAUSD's KLCS-TV and San Bernardino's KVCR-TV in San Bernardino.

KCET, of course, is not part of that local PBS consortium -- ironic, since KCET is the station that first suggested a Southern California PBS partnership. But now that KCET is dropping its PBS membership, it hasn't been included in any further local discussions.

"Our new identity is the result of extensive viewer research, and I am confident that it fully represents our new role as the full-service PBS station in Southern California," said KOCE president/CEO Mel Rogers.

KOCE "PBS SoCal" will be home to series such as "American Masters," "Tavis Smiley," "California's Gold," "Frontline," "Masterpiece Theater," "NOVA" and "Pioneers of Television," as well as "Curious George" and "Sesame Street."

KVCR will air "Nightly Business Report" and "Charlie Rose," while KLCS will air "Independent Lens."

Here's The Press Release Announcing KOCE As SoCal's New Primary PBS Affiliate

Here's the press release from PBS, officially naming Orange County's KOCE-TV as Southern California's new primary PBS affiliate. As widely reported, Los Angeles' KCET goes independent on Jan. 1.

KOCE-TV TO BECOME THE NEW HOME OF PBS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Huntington Beach, CA and Arlington, VA – December 1, 2010 - Starting January 1, 2011, KOCE-TV will become the full service PBS station for the Southern California region, and will begin broadcasting the full line-up of PBS programs for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties and the City of Santa Barbara.

KOCE will offer PBS’ Emmy award-winning news and public affairs, history, drama and performing arts programming, including PBS NEWSHOUR, FRONTLINE, NOVA, MASTERPIECE, NATURE, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, AMERICAN MASTERS, TAVIS SMILEY and GREAT PERFORMANCES. According to a 2010 GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media poll, PBS was rated the most trusted institution among nationally known organizations for the seventh consecutive year.

KOCE will also feature seven hours of PBS KIDS programming each weekday. PBS KIDS is the nation’s most trusted educational media brand and has been proven to help children succeed in the classroom and in life. PBS’ children’s programming, such as SESAME STREET, CURIOUS GEORGE, DINOSAUR TRAIN, ARTHUR, SUPER WHY!, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT and the upcoming WILD KRATTS, which premieres in January 2011, invites kids to explore the world around them with educational, age-appropriate content that offers positive role models for children.

KOCE will look to expand its outreach services in coming months, including KOCE Classroom – KOCE’s educational initiative that currently serves nearly a half-million students and teachers in Southern California schools.

"KOCE-TV is delighted to expand our lineup of award-winning PBS programming that serves as a mainstay in homes across the country," said KOCE President and CEO Mel Rogers. "We are excited to be the new home of PBS in Southern California and continue to work with PBS stations KVCR-TV and KLCS-TV to build a Southern California Consortium of stations for the region."

"PBS continues to focus on ensuring the people of Southern California are able to benefit from the full range of high-quality PBS content and services," said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. "We look forward to working with KOCE and our other PBS stations, KVCR-TV and KLCS-TV, to offer the very best of PBS' national and locally produced content to the people of Southern California."

Beginning in January, KOCE will also present PBS’ new Winter/Spring 2011 season of original programs that enrich lives and expand horizons.

Highlights of the new schedule can be found KOCE's website.

Meanwhile, PBS was also in the awkward position of announcing today that KCET is one of nine public broadcasters that has received matching “membership challenge” grants totaling $2.2 million from Newman’s Own Foundation.

The fund, split between PBS and the nine stations, is meant "to help strengthen fundraising efforts and increase support for programs and services that inform, educate, entertain and inspire audiences."

Besides KCET, money went to CPTV (Connecticut Public Television), KCTS Seattle, TPT (Twin Cities Public Television), WETA Washington, WNET New York, WTTW Chicago and New England public radio stations WAMC and WSHU.

KOCE Brings "Masterpiece" Back to Sundays

Southern California's PBS switcheroo is already underway.

Weeks after KCET angered viewers by moving Sunday night staple "Masterpiece Mystery!" to Thursday nights, Orange County's KOCE has nabbed first-run rights to the the series -- and is airing it on Sunday nights.

KOCE, which will become SoCal's primary PBS station in January, previously had to wait to run fare like "Masterpiece" until after KCET finished its run. But now that KCET is dropping its PBS affiliation come January, PBS (and Boston's WGBH, which produces "Masterpiece") is making the move now.

"Masterpiece" will join the KOCE lineup on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. with "Sherlock."

"KOCE-TV is delighted to bring 'Masterpiece' to Los Angeles viewers as the show premieres its 21st-century Sherlock Holmes series this coming Sunday," said KOCE President and CEO Mel Rogers. "The iconic 'Masterpiece' series has been a Sunday night mainstay in homes across the country, and we’re delighted to welcome it to its new home in Los Angeles, KOCE-TV."

KOCE Picks Up Charles Phoenix TV Show

Watch your back, Huell Howser. L.A.'s "histo-tainer" Charles Phoenix, famed for his slideshows of Americana and events like his famed "Disneyland Tour of Downtown Los Angeles," has signed on to host a new series for Orange County public broadcaster KOCE Channel 50.

The weekly "Southern CaliforniaLand" promises to celebrate all things local. From the press release:

KOCE-TV president and general manager, Mel Rogers, today announced a joint development agreement between the PBS station and pop culture lifestyle expert, Charles Phoenix. The agreement sets in motion plans for production of an engaging 30-minute weekly series that will tour Southern California and celebrate the area’s local life and style. Dubbed Southern CaliforniaLand, the series will be hosted and produced by Phoenix, and will air exclusively on KOCE-TV, KOCE-HD and the OC Channel.

“KOCE is pleased to announce plans for a lifestyle program that will showcase the real breadth and depth of the Southern California community,” said Mel Rogers, general manager and president of KOCE-TV. “We couldn’t think of a better partner to create this new program with than Charles Phoenix. His humor and quick-witted insight will help us to develop a unique and entertaining program that truly reveals the diverse and culturally rich identity of our local community.”

CaliforniaLand with Charles Phoenix will be an action-packed, fast-paced program, including highly interactive “man on the street” segments, peppered with historical facts and entertaining observations. Planned segments will take viewers on a tour of Westminster’s Little Saigon, and through an exploration of the frozen banana shops of Balboa Island. In later segments, viewers will meet Southern California’s favorite synchronized swim team, the Meraquas; as well as the fishermen of the Dory Fleet. Later, Phoenix will find the answer to what is in the time capsule buried beneath Orange Circle.

KOCE will initially broadcast 18 episodes of the show.