Los Angeles Station Quits PBS

KCET-TV Defects From PBS Over Cost - NYTimes.com

From the article:

"The financial strains on public television came into stark view on Friday when KCET-TV, Los Angeles's main public station, said it would leave PBS on Jan. 1 and become the nation’s largest independent station.



KCET said it could no longer afford PBS dues of about $6.8 million a year; last fiscal year, its dues took 22 percent of its $31.4 million net operating budget." ...
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I certainly hope this doesn't become a trend...

Ouch! if I had donated in the last fund drive, I would be p*ssed!

Let me see if I lost a PBS here, I would still have 3 left.

Good point!

6.8 Million a year???? Does each affiliate have to pay that???? Seems like a lot of money. Especially for a TV station that does next to 0 advertising.

I don't know how they figure the 6.8 million, but I am sure its related to the huge market there. No way my PBS stations could pay that much... Except maybe KBYU, because the LDS church pays a share of the bills. Lets see, part of (15% tithing $ x (number of LDS members x average income)) + PBS membership $$ = a whole bunce of $$$$$ tax free. Did I mention they also own KSL 5 (NBC), and half of the state, too?

Originally Posted by MrPogi

(15% tithing $ x (number of LDS members x average income))

You do know that "15% tithing" is an oxymoron don't you? Tithe means 10th.

Mormons have to give "MORE"