The news out of Los Angeles earlier this week that public broadcasting TV station KCET plans to leave PBS and go independent came as a shock to me. The news broke on Friday and first appeared in the LA Times. According to writer Scott Collins (click here to view) he wrote,

"Los Angeles affiliate KCET is leaving the PBS network".

"The public station says it can no longer afford to pay member dues and plans to assemble its own programming. Brands such as 'Sesame Street' and 'NewsHour,' however, could be lost."

"So long, "Sesame Street." And probably "NewsHour," "Antiques Roadshow," "Nova," "Masterpiece" and " Frontline" too, at least for many Los Angeles TV viewers."

The planned switch away from PBS to independent status leaves me with a few questions. KCET on air fundraising pitches this year appeared to reach new highs (or lows, depending on your point of view). Most included claims the station carries the full line of PBS broadcasting and appeals were frequently made that funds contributed would serve to keep favorite shows on air. I'm left wondering what happens to the money raised from all those broken promises? Do viewers who have pledged and/or paid have any recourse when it comes to refunds?

As a committed viewer of the week night PBS Newshour, Sunday's Masterpiece Theatre, and other programs, I'm practically in mourning. December 31st is the announced last day before KCET's affiliation ends. My hope, at this point, is that one of the other area PBS affiliates will be able to pick up and carry the more popular shows I now watch on PBS. Otherwise I may be left with but two terrible choices: start watching commercial TV (horrors!) or else stop watching TV altogether.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs