KCET Names Zach Behrens Editor-in-Chief
Download Press Release: KCET Names Zach Behrens.docx
KCET, the largest independent public television station in
the country as of January 1, 2011, has named Zach Behrens to the newly created
position of editor-in-chief for the station's new blogging operation, it was
announced today by Mary Mazur, KCET Executive Vice President and Chief Content
Officer. In his new role, Behrens will report directly to Mazur and be
responsible for creating community-based content and building online engagement
for a new initiative that includes launching new KCET blogs, which he will
begin developing when he joins the organization on November 10.
"KCET is expanding its online team as part of a strategic
effort to direct additional resources to social media initiatives that will
better serve our communities," said Mazur. "Zach's impressive background in
building community engagement and developing compelling content for local
audiences makes him a perfect match for KCET as we set out to redefine public
media in the 21st century."
In his most recent position as editor-in-chief of
LAist/Gothamist, LLC., Behrens oversaw operations and increased readership
while serving as lead writer for LAist.com, one of Los Angeles' most popular
blogs. Prior to LAist, Behrens served as a communications and marketing
consultant to MTV, Nike and the City of Santa Clarita as well as consulting on
political campaigns.
"This is an exciting opportunity to participate in shaping
the future of public media," Behrens said of accepting his position at KCET. "I
look forward to the challenge of creating a vibrant community destination
inspired by the mission of public service."
Behrens joins the KCET New Media Team, which also includes
Gary Dauphin, KCET Site Editor and Manager, reporting directly to Mazur; Juan
Devis, Director of Production, reporting directly to Mazur; and Diego Nuñez,
Senior Producer, reporting to Devis.
About KCET
On-air, online and
in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational
enrichment of Southern and Central California. Each month 3.6 million viewers
watch KCET, which is the second most-watched public television station in the
country and has the largest geographic reach of any public television station
in California. KCET, which becomes the largest independent public television
station in the country effective January 1, 2011, produces the Emmy® and
Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly
television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern
California. Throughout its more than 40-year history, KCET has won hundreds of
major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming,
its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family
and children's programs, its outreach and community services and its website,
kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. More than half of
the funds raised to support KCET's operating budget come from individual
support. For additional information about KCET productions, Web-exclusive
content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.
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