Contact: Ariel Carpenter
Phone (323) 953-5243
Email acarpenter@kcet.org
KCET sells production studio, will relocate to new production facility to expand broadcast and digital offerings
(Los Angeles - April 25, 2011) KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station, announced today that it has sold its production facility to the Church of Scientology for an undisclosed amount.
KCET will remain in full operation in the Los Angeles area and is in active discussions with several unidentified production facilities that will allow it to not only continue to produce award-winning shows but also to further expand its programming and digital footprint across multiple media platforms, according to KCET president and CEO Al Jerome.
"We are now implementing Phase Two of our transformation from a PBS affiliate to an independent public media center for the 21st century," said Jerome. "New facilities and equipment will allow us to augment the quality, award-winning content that our fans love."
KCET offers programming in a wide array of genres including the arts, entertainment, cooking, nature and science, and childrens shows. In addition, KCET offers a strong line up of local and international news with BBC World News, BBC Newsnight, Al Jazeera English, NHK/Japan, IBA/Israel and SoCal Connected.
KCET will remain at its current location at 4401 West Sunset Boulevard for up to a year before moving into new facilities.
About KCET
On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and
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2 Comments
Scientology has a habit of buying buildings and leaving them empty for years before utilizing them. They waited 3 years before renovating the building they bought in Pasadena at 35 South Raymond in 2006. The city had to force their hand to renovate the eyesore they created when they kicked-out 22 tax-paying tenants and left the building empty with a leaking roof. They can do this because they don't have to pay proper property taxes. The building was finally renovated in 2010, but except for a skeleton crew, is basically empty, because no one wants to join cults anymore.
So L.A. will lose tax money with this KCET deal. And the jobs that could have been at this facility will replaced by Sea Org workers. These are scientologists that sign billion year contracts and are lucky to make $50 a week. (they are classified as "religious volunteers so normal worker's rights do not apply) The local restaurants and coffee shops will also suffer because they will have less visitors.
When KCET moves out in a year or so, we shall see what scierntology does with the facility. At best, it will create propaganda and at worst, it will be yet another empty building like the old Hotel Christie on Hollywood Blvd and McCadden.
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Louanne says :
Congratulations to KCET for finding a worthy successor for your facility. I am sure the historical aspects of the place will be maintained (as the Church of Scientology usually does) and that the place will be maxed out within a year. Good luck for the future!