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.

Why Foodie (and "Everybody Loves Raymond" Creator) Phil Rosenthal Says L.A. is a Better Food Town Than New York

"Everybody Loves Raymond" creator Phil Rosenthal has a confession to make: In the battle between New York and Los Angeles, when it comes to food, L.A. is the winner.

Rosenthal, now the host of PBS’ "I’ll Have What Phil’s Having," is a New York native, so his change of allegiance carries some weight. After 25 years of living in L.A. and investing in the restaurant scene here, Rosenthal says it’s not even a contest.

“I’m declaring Los Angeles the winner,” Rosenthal told me recently for a TV Insider story. “And I’m a snobby New Yorker. Right now L.A. is the best food city in America. I’m proud of it. And I can prove it.”

Rosenthal tackled Los Angeles on a recent episode of "I’ll Have What Phil’s Having," which doubled as the show’s Season 1 finale. In the episode, Rosenthal takes his Raymond star Ray Romano to the Farmers’ Market for breakfast at Loteria; comedian Martin Short to chef Roy Choi’s Commissary; and Mom star Allison Janney to downtown’s historic Grand Central Market.

He also checks out a taco truck with The Nightly Show host Larry Wilmore, and takes legendary producer Norman Lear and actor Paul Reiser to Langer’s deli for the best pastrami sandwich in the country.

My friend Diane and I met up with Rosenthal at the famed Farmers’ Market (at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax), and yes, we had what Phil was having: Fresh seafood from Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar. Read our full conversation 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.

Benedict Cumberbatch Causes a Stir at TCA Press Tour

I've been attending the Television Critics Assn. press tour since 1996, and I can't remember ever seeing so much frenzy over a PBS press conference as there was for Monday's Masterpiece panel on "Sherlock." The reason? An appearance by Benedict Cumberbatch. The actor has been here before, but his star has really taken off. So much so that a well-behaved and calm crowd of fans (mostly young girls, who happened to be out of school because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday) gathered outside the Langham Huntington Hotel to catch a glimpse -- and perhaps a photo and signature -- of Cumberbatch.

Shamelessly looking to stir Twitter into a frenzy, we all also Tweeted up a storm during the press conference and made sure to chronicle Cumberbatch's visit with the fans:

"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."

Sadness Over the Changes at KCET

KCET, one of the two last remaining TV stations in Hollywood, is now on the move -- and likely looking for cheap digs elsewhere in Southern California.

That's because the station -- which dropped its long-time PBS affiliation at the end of 2010 -- is selling its Sunset Boulevard studios in order to raise some cash. The property, first built in 1912 as Monogram Pictures, is being sold to Scientology, which plans to expand its production output there. (Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, although the property is said to be worth nearly $15 million.)

KCET president Al Jerome attempted to put a brave face on the move: "We are now implementing Phase Two of our transformation from a PBS affiliate to an independent public media center for the 21st century. New facilities and equipment will allow us to augment the quality, award-winning content that our fans love."

This is the first we're hearing about a multi-phase plan for KCET. Was Phase One the act of dumping PBS? Like I've said before, that should have been the ultimate act of last resort -- the nuclear option. Sell the studio. Downsize the staff. Cut all expenditures to the very minimum. But don't get rid of PBS. Then, when times improve, you can bring back staff and restore budgets. But it's tough to do that without the power of PBS. I have a hard time believing that there was any positive in (a) dropping PBS and (b) selling its 40-year home.

KCET's diet of mostly reruns (including 40-year-old kids shows and decade-old British dramas) coupled with a few bright spots (mostly SoCal Connected and its use of international news reports) still feels like a stopgap measure to temporarily fill the PBS void. Hopefully we'll start to see more local-oriented original fare as time goes on, and hopefully KCET will have the funds to do that.

Meanwhile, the Scientology statement is equally mysterious: "It is a perfect fit, in both size and location, for the expansion of the Church of Scientology's production of religious and social betterment audiovisual properties, and we welcomed the unexpected opportunity to acquire it."

I fear that the money generated by the sale of the KCET lot won't go far -- $15 million would cover only about three episodes of a network primetime drama, for example -- and then KCET will not only have little to show for it, but will no longer have a flagship home.

As for TV in Hollywood, just a decade or so ago the area was home to KABC, KCBS, KCAL, KCOP, KTTV, KWHY, KTLA and KCET. Now, it's home to just KTLA and KCET... and once KCET leaves, only KTLA is left. And if plans are ever firmed up to move KTLA in with the Los Angeles Times downtown, that will leave no one. Quite a change.

PREVIOUSLY ON FRANKLIN AVENUE:

Will KCET Ever Reunite With PBS? (January 2011)

Our Modest KCET Proposal (October 2010)

What's In Store for KCET Once It Dumps PBS? (October 2010)

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.)

Bazaar Chef Jose Andres On The L.A. Times Critic Unmasking

Chef José Andrés, who's behind The Bazaar by José Andrés restaurant here in L.A. (and eateries throughout the country), stopped by the TV Critics Association press tour on Saturday to promote his returning PBS series, "Made in Spain."

Andrés was asked about the recent outing of L.A. Times food critic S. Irene Virbila by the owners of the new Beverly Hills restaurant Red Medicine.

The owners kept Virbila, who had an anonymous reservation, waiting for a table.. and then eventually kicked her out -- but not before snapping a shot of her, which the restaurant then posted online.

I know. Classy.

The general consensus has been negative toward Red Medicine, whose reasons behind outing Virbila were dubious and whiny. Regardless of how one feels about food critics or Virbila, it smacked of paranoia and was extremely unprofessional. I for one would not want to eat at a restaurant run by a bunch of big-time jerks.

Andrés appears to agree. He said he believed the Red Medicine guys likely now regret their actions (although it sure doesn't seem that way, if you read their Facebook page).

"That's no way to treat another human being, even a critic," Andrés told the room of, yes, TV critics, earning a big laugh.

The chef was later asked about new food trends; Andrés answered by describing how the power of preparing food can be used to help people in places like Haiti. Andrés is clearly a chef with class -- and someone who's using his position to do some good in the world (and not the kind of petty restaurant owner looking to just settle a ridiculous score with a newspaper food critic).

As for "Made in Spain," show continues to focus on Spanish cooking, as well as tours of the country's various regions and cooking traditions.

Meet KCET's Logo, Same As The Old

KCET's 40-year stint as Southern California's chief PBS station comes to a close this Sunday. That's when KOCE morphs into "SoCal PBS" and KCET (faced with escalating PBS fees) tries to go it alone as an independent public broadcast station.

It's going to be bumpy, particularly in the beginning. KCET is hoping to become a more vibrant local programmer... but in the beginning, will mostly rely on old BBC fare and minor non-PBS public broadcasting content.

KCET continues to announce various details of its indie transition; just today, the station unveiled its digital signal plans. In place of "KCET Orange" and "PBS World," both of which relied heavily on PBS content, the station will broadcast "KCET Kids and Family" and "MHz Worldview" (consisting of global fare) on two of its digital channels. A third digital signal, the Spanish-lingo "V-Me," remains.

The station also unveiled what it's touting as a "new logo" -- but quite honestly, it's the same old logo, just with a bit of a 3-D twist.

Here's the current logo:



And here's the "new" one:

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."

KCET Unveils New PBS-Free Schedule

KCET just unveiled its schedule sans PBS. It's pretty much what we expected: A lot of old BBC shows and a handful of independently produced public broadcasting fare and the original "SoCal Connected," upped to weekly broadcast. Here it is:

PRIMETIME ON KCET

Sunday is Hollywood Movie Night. We begin the evening with First Works, which features an insider’s look at how legendary directors approach their craft. Then we move onto Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies, a guide to which films get the “thumbs up.” We anchor the evening with KCET Presents, a collection of some of Hollywood’s best motion pictures without commercial interruption, including popular blockbusters and time-honored classics such as The Color Purple, Dances with Wolves and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Monday is Action and Travel Adventure Night. First the action-packed drama series MI5 takes viewers into the world of British secret service agents. Next, world-traveling hosts who “live like the locals do” explore unforgettable destinations in Globe Trekker. Then Rick Steves’ Europe explores countries overseas, followed by Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions, which introduces local customs from all around the world.

Tuesday is Science and Innovation Night. Discover the Nature of Things with David Suzuki, which features segments on rare wildlife, plus cutting-edge science and technology. Immediately following, KCET presents an evening of documentaries that explore a range of thought-provoking topics and current events.

Wednesday is Drama Night. At 8:00 p.m., Robert Vaughn stars in Hustle, about a grifter who works with a team of con artists with a conscience in England. Then Helen Mirren stars in Prime Suspect as the tenacious, difficult and brilliant Jane Tennison, a no-nonsense British detective for Scotland Yard. Next, The Write Environment features local filmmaker Jeffrey Berman as host of one-on-one interviews with prolific screenwriters.

Thursday is an eclectic night featuring the weekly premiere of SoCal Connected. The evening begins with Doc Martin, the British comedic drama that makes the rounds with Dr. Martin Ellingham, a celebrated surgeon with a blood phobia and tactless manner. Each week SoCal Connected presents hard-hitting reports on everything from the economy to the environment. Then KCET soars with The Aviators, which looks at the latest advances in aircraft and aviation technology.

Friday is all the news you need. The McLaughlin Group begins the evening with a lively discussion from across the political spectrum. Immediately following, KCET presents an encore of SoCal Connected. The evening continues at 9:00 p.m. with BBC World News, which provides news coverage with a truly global perspective and insight into world events impacting on America and major US stories impacting on the world. Then Inside E Street, with Sheilah Kast, looks at the latest developments affecting economic security, health care and retirement. At 10:00 p.m., Inside Washington, with host Gordon Peterson, brings together the best and brightest journalists to analyze the week’s most notable news events. Next NHK Newsline provides updates on news from Japan and other Asian countries. The evening concludes with Scully/The World Show, featuring one-on-one interviews with the world’s most prominent and famous personalities – from Nobel laureates and heads of state to authors, royalty, financiers and athletes.

DAYTIME

Mornings on KCET will continue to feature children’s programming, which includes two productions from The Jim Henson Company: Construction Site, airing in both English and Spanish, and The Wubulous World of Dr. Seuss. Also, the Peabody Award winning series’ for parents and caregivers A Place of Our Own and Los Niños en Su Casa will remain part of the station’s morning programming.

Then KCET turns its attention to the adults in the household with an entertaining, informative daytime block focused on cuisine and travel, reflecting the diversity of Southern California from south of the border to the Pacific Rim. Viewers will engage with culinary superstars Lydia Bastianich, Jacques Pepin and Rick Bayless, who spice up palates and kitchens alike. And they will travel in style with Smart Travels – Pacific Rim with Rudy Maxa V, Journeys in Japan, Travelscope and 13 Wonders of Spain.

THE NEWS ON KCET

In an interconnected world, KCET understands that diverse perspectives are critical to understanding events in Southern California as well as around the world and that global actions have local repercussions. KCET takes a global view for its nightly newscast, premiering NHK Newsline at 6:00 p.m., followed by the leader in international news programming, BBC World News at 6:30 p.m.

KCET celebrates the diversity of Southern California with Visiting With Huell Howser. Exclusively on KCET, the series takes viewers to the Southland’s many neighborhoods introducing the people who live there.

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.

Our Modest KCET Proposal

The clock is ticking for KCET.

The Southern California public broadcaster is set to part ways with PBS at the end of the year – which, believe it or not, is now just two months away.

In the short run, KCET will have to rely on a lot of acquired programming to fill its schedule – including movies, foreign programming, and syndicated public broadcasting fare from the America’s Public Television distributor.

Get ready for an even heftier diet of Huell Howser and “Fawlty Towers.”

In the long run, KCET is promising much more local-based programming. It’s not going to be easy: Original programming costs money. And KCET, already struggling to make ends meet, is likely to lose more viewer support in the coming year as its PBS programming goes away.

But on the flip side, technology has made it easier to produce programming with high-quality production values on the cheap. And audiences now used to a steady diet of homemade Internet video and small smart phone screens are less picky than they used to be.

Local TV stations managed to produce plenty of cheap, homegrown programming from the 1950s right through to the beginning of the 1980s. The production values weren’t great, and viewers were mostly watching because, honestly, there wasn’t anything else on. But boomers remain nostalgic of that golden age of hyper-local programming, mostly because they felt an ownership with it. Those kids hosts and afternoon talk shows were produced in their own backyards.

Southern California isn’t exactly small town USA. But it’s better than that: It’s a lively, loud, diverse region that happens to also be home to Hollywood. Surely KCET can mine that world in a way no other local TV station has had the time, resources or interest to do.

But again, it’s not going to be cheap. And KCET will have to make strike some strategic partnerships around town to pull it off. The last time I talked to KCET general manager Al Jerome, he mentioned exploratory conversations he’s had with public radio stations KCRW and KPCC about partnerships. That’s a start. I assume he’s holding talks like that with entities all over town.

With all of this in mind, I’ve come up with a few programming ideas that KCET might want to consider in getting its local programming initiative off the ground. None of these ideas are overly ambitious – they’re actually doable, and can be done rather quickly. KCET doesn’t have the time – or resources – to pull off anything overly grand just yet anyway.

Some ideas:

KCET NOW: First and foremost, KCET needs a signature daily program – its own “TRL” or “Daily Show” or “Good Day L.A.” A place where newsmakers can come, debates can be had, L.A. can be featured. Here’s my idea: Partner up with The Grove and the Americana developer Rick Caruso to underwrite the show, which would be shot at one of the two shopping centers. Caruso, of course, has his eye on the L.A. mayoral race and could benefit from the chartiable touch of underwriting a KCET series (which, of course, would also show off his shopping properties). “KCET Now” would feature a small studio audience and might be considered a newsier version of KABC’s old “A.M. Los Angeles.”

LIVE FROM AMOEBA RECORDS: Another recent L.A. institution, Amoeba’s ongoing in-store concert series, mixed in with interviews and music news and recommendations from its staff could easily be cut into a weekly, hour-long program.

L.A. ON THE STREET: Remember E! Entertainment's "The Gossip Show"? It was a simple format: Gossip columnists, in their offices, recounting their most recent stories and scoops. Take that idea and apply it to L.A.'s top bloggers. Reps from L.A. Observed, LAist, Blogging.la, Curbed LA, etc. go on camera, perhaps even from the location they're writing about (Zach Behrens at City Hall?) to recount their latest stories. This gives KCET instant content, and gives bloggers a televised forum to promote their site.

LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTER ON TV: Since we’re mentioning Jerome’s desire to get into business with KCRW, here’s one place to start. KCRW’s weekly half-hour radio show featuring Arianna Huffington, Matt Miller, Tony Blankley and Robert Scheer attempts to tackle so much each week that debates are frequently cut off right when they get lively. My idea: After the quartet tapes their weekly radio show, flip on the camera and get them going for another half hour. And yes, I know most of the time the group is spread out and sometimes have to participate via phone… but that’s where the inexpensive use of Skype comes in.

GOOD FOOD ON TV: Since we’re already tapping KCRW for “Left Right and Center,” let’s do one more: Evan Kleiman’s “Good Food” has turned into quite a franchise that already stretches beyond the radio show. “Good Food” sponsors events, dinners, contests and more. Let’s combine some of that with video takes of Kleiman visiting SoCal restaurants – at least two a week. And perhaps even bring on one of Kleiman’s chef pals to spread the wealth.

AIR TALK ON TV: Let's not leave KPCC out of this. What if Larry Mantle hosted a weekly TV version of his daily radio interview show?

THE LOH DOWN ON SCIENCE: Another KPCC show that could turn into a regular TV program: Sandra Tsing Loh's "Loh Down on Science" features. Give Sandra a camera and send her off to Cal Tech and other locales to give us a weekly look at some of the cool things going on science-wise in Southern California.

FILM SCHOOL: Why let WTTW in Chicago own the public broadcasting film review space? Grab a round table, stick L.A.'s film critics around it and have them debate film. Why KCET doesn't already do this, I don't know.

HIGH SCHOOL QUIZ: Back in the early 1990s in Hawaii, our local Fox station aired a show called “Quizzard” – a locally produced quiz show that pit high schools against one another in a daily game show format. If a tiny Hawaii TV station can find enough sponsor support to mount a show like that, surely KCET can find a way. And there are more than enough high schools in Southern California to make this work – pit rival schools against each other, and you’ll generate some real interest. This is the land of the Academic Decathlon, after all.

TOWN HALL Time for the mayor, police chief, City Council president, the LAUSD superintendent, the L.A. Times editor or the newsmaker of the week to get into the hot seat and answer questions from local citizens. (Think of KPCC's "Ask the Chief" as inspiration.)

All of this sound crazy so far? Let me remind you: KCET does big business with Huell Howser, whose entire M.O. is to walk around California with a microphone and a cameraman. And yet, he’s such a quirky personality – and the places he visits are pretty interesting – that it works.

This is also just a smattering of thoughts. Add your show ideas below.

UPDATED: The only problem with posts like this is you keep coming up with new ideas after you hit "send."

A few more:

THE LOS LOBOS POWER HOUR: OK, Los Lobos: We're giving you an hour each week to stage a homegrown variety show shot in Boyle Heights or somewhere in East L.A. Get to it.

L.A. SHELTER: Partnered with Curbed L.A., we visit open houses and discover more about what's going on in SoCal real estate.

And talks should be going on now with L.A.-centric personalities, such as Gustavo Arellano ("Ask a Mexican"), L.A. mag's Chris Nichols, histo-tainer Charles Phoenix, cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, L.A.-based group Ozomatli, rocker/radio host/writer/performer Henry Rollins, and many more.

The draw: Your own show, the way you want to do it. No commercial concerns, and no interference.

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."

What's In Store for KCET Once It Dumps PBS?

From my Monday piece for Variety on what's in store for a PBS-free KCET:

L.A. pubcaster KCET is crafting an extreme programming makeover.

Once the station drops its longtime PBS affiliation at the end of the year, gone will be staples like "News Hour," "Sesame Street" and "Charlie Rose."

But KCET plans to fill some of that void with more fare from American Public Television, which syndicates programs such as "Rick Steves' Europe," "Globe Trekker" and music specials like "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" to pubcasters.

"We will become a much bigger customer of theirs," said KCET prexy/CEO Al Jerome. Conveniently, APT is holding its next programming marketplace next month in La Quinta, Calif.

KCET will also continue its relationship with Huell Howser, whose folksy California-based travelogues already make up a chunk of the station's sked.

And according to Jerome, KCET is in discussions with L.A. public radio stations KCRW and KPCC about collaborating on TV projects. That could mean televising KCRW music concerts or KPCC interview shows on KCET.

"Combining talents with public radio makes a lot of sense," said Jerome.

KCET is likely to start airing more BBC World News fare; it already has a deal in place with the BBC to distribute news programming to public TV stations across the country.

Jerome also hinted at working on fare with the L.A. Times, expanding its weekly "SoCal Connected" newsmag and perhaps even bringing back elements from the station's old "Life and Times" nightly program. And KCET said it would also look to acquire more international programming, from the UK, Canada, Japan and elsewhere.

KCET is already moving toward more non-PBS fare, having added a package of old movies to its Sunday night sked.

Nonetheless, KCET remains mum on specific programming plans post-Jan. 1, when its PBS connection ends. Jerome was vague on specifics, but said he also plans to reach out to L.A.'s arts community to partner on some original fare.

"Our plan is to become the media partner for the many diverse, creative voices in our community with stories to tell, art to exhibit, music or dance to perform and news to report. We will partner with other public service organizations so that our viewers can learn about the good work being done, but not often reported in the commercial media," he said.

If the reaction on KCET's website is any indication, however, those auds will not be happy with the programming switch -- and that could come in a hefty blow to the station's fundraising efforts.

"Being a loyal viewer for many years this comes as a shock and shows a complete disregard for your audience," one viewer wrote on KCET's site. "In no way will I be renewing my membership with you again, and I will encourage others to do the same. All you've done is left one of the largest TV markets in the country without what is arguably the best source for quality news and science reporting. Your reasons listed are spurious, as it is ostensibly your goal to serve the public interest. This does not serve the public interest, and almost certainly will hasten the network's ruin."

Jerome admitted that the change won't sit well with many KCET supporters.

"In the beginning a lot of people who watch us will be disrupted," Jerome said. "We're cognizant of the fact that our viewership is comfortable with programs from certain genres. They want to see nature and science and documentary and children's programming, and national and international news. In our acquisitions strategy we're looking for programs we know will be comfortable to our bread and butter audience."

KCET announced Friday that it would become an independent public broadcaster effective Jan. 1.

Read more here.

PBS' "This Old House" Comes to Silver Lake

We told you back in May that after 30 years, PBS' "This Old House" is finally renovating its first-ever Los Angeles home.

Now, after putting out a call to find a home, the "This Old House" producers have chosen a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival home in Silver Lake to renovate. The transformation will take place over 10 episodes, which begin on Jan. 27, 2011.

Here are the details:

Homeowner Kurt Albrecht purchased this home in 1998 and moved in with his wife, Mary Blee, shortly thereafter. The couple was not only drawn to the original period style of the house and its view of the Silver Lake Reservoir, but they loved the diverse community and its central location. The one floor, 1,500-sq.-ft. house was the perfect size for a young, married couple so they only made minor cosmetic updates at first. However, in recent years as their family began to expand and basically outgrow the two-bedroom, one-bath house, they decided it was time for more extensive renovations.

The This Old House experts are working with Los Angeles-based contractor Steve Pallrand and his design-build firm Home Front on a modest 750-sq.ft. expansion which includes a new second floor, larger kitchen, new family room, two additional baths and two more bedrooms. The plan also calls for preserving and replicating some of the homeowner's favorite existing period details such as arched doorways, tray ceilings, plaster ornamentation, inlaid floors and art deco light fixtures.

The Los Angeles episodes will also look at L.A. architecture such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, and highlight preservation efforts at the Silver Lake home and studio of the late architect Richard Neutra.