KCET Cuts Ties to PBS

Last August, the management told the LA Times that, despite cutbacks and budget reductions, financial pressure might require KCET to combine forces with other public TV stations, sell out all together or, as a last resort, withdraw from the Public Broadcasting System. The "nuclear option" has come to be. KCET will go independent on the first of January next year. No more Nova, Frontline, Sesame Street, Masterpiece Theater or The NewsHour. The news broke last Friday, and viewers have had time to react. President and Chief Executive Office Al Jerome made the call, with unanimous consent from the Board of Directors.