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| KQED's Campaign for the Future Surpasses $70 Million Goal! |
Five-year Campaign is Largest in Station's History
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- KQED today announced that the Campaign for the Future, a multi-year campaign, has surpassed its goal of raising $70 million to introduce unprecedented levels of new programming and educational services to the people of Northern California. The Campaign generated more than $75 million in gifts and pledges from more than 11,000 members of the community, making it the most successful fund-raising effort in KQED's 50-year history.
The Campaign for the Future was created in response to the 1997 unfunded federal mandate to convert television broadcast technology from analog to digital format by 2005. Launched in 1998, the Campaign included three initiatives designed to greatly expand KQED's services to the community by taking advantage of opportunities made possible by our transition to digital technology. The initiatives are: the Digital Conversion Fund, which funded the digital conversion of KQED Public Television and Radio and the creation of five additional digital television channels broadcasting KQED programs; the Program Venture Fund, which supports the creation, expansion and acquisition of new programming, and includes the development of educational curriculum and tools related to KQED programs; and the Infrastructure Fund, which funded the replacement of KQED's antiquated infrastructure and builds the station's capacity to reach new audiences.
"This extraordinary accomplishment, which is one of the largest Campaign achievements by a station in public broadcasting, is made possible by our community's commitment to KQED's programs and services," said Jeff Clarke, president and CEO of KQED. "Our success would not have been feasible were it not for the volunteer leadership of Mr. Bernard Osher, our Campaign Chair, our volunteers, Board and Campaign Cabinet members, and donors."
"Our future as a digital broadcasting entity is owed, in large part, to their generous leadership and gifts," added Traci Eckels, KQED's vice president of development. "The infrastructure and programs the Campaign has brought to fruition are furthering KQED's legacy of service to the people of Northern California in new and unprecedented ways."
Improvements and upgrades to KQED's services made possible by the Campaign for the Future include:
• KQED Public Television's digital conversion and the creation of five new digital television channels, each with distinct quality programming. The five new channels, KQED HD (high-definition television), KQED Encore, KQED World, KQED Life and KQED Kids, add dramatically enhanced program choices to what Northern California viewers already enjoy on KQED 9.
• A new state-of-the-art television master control room, which enables KQED to broadcast the five new digital channels, and digital editing suites, including our first high-definition non-linear editing system.
• The purchase of KQEI North Highlands-Sacramento 89.3 FM, which provides seamless delivery of KQED Public Radio programming from the Bay Area to the high Sierras.
• • A 21st Century, all-digital radio master control room and studios, which allow for more efficient and expedient news and program production with clearer sound quality.
• The production of such television and radio programs as AND THEN ONE NIGHT: THE MAKING OF 'DEAD MAN WALKING', BAY WINDOW, GREAT PERFORMANCES: THE MERRY WIDOW, A HUEY P. NEWTON STORY, IMAGEMAKERS, INDEPENDENT VIEW, LONELY ISLAND: HIDDEN ALCATRAZ, PACIFIC TIME, SPARK, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET IN CONCERT and UNDERSTANDING AMERICA AFTER 9/11.
• The relaunch of KQED.org, which expands KQED's capacity to deliver online streaming of video clips and both live and archived radio broadcasts, original Web-exclusive content and educational materials for students and lifelong learners.
• New workshops for Bay Area teachers developed by the KQED Education Network focusing on science, the arts and the environment.
Campaign gifts were given in addition to annual membership support to KQED.
The programs and services that are funded by the Campaign would not be possible without these additional gifts. During the multi-year Campaign, membership support was crucial to KQED maintaining its on-going operations.
KQED Public Broadcasting operates KQED Public Television 9, one of the nation's most-watched public television stations during prime-time, and KQED's digital television channels, which include KQED HD, KQED Encore, KQED World, KQED Life and KQED Kids; KQED Public Radio, the most-listened-to public radio station in the nation with an award-winning news and public affairs program service (88.5 FM in San Francisco and 89.3 FM in Sacramento); KQED.org, one of the most visited station sites in Public Broadcasting; and KQED Education Network, which brings the impact of KQED to thousands of teachers, students, parents and media professionals through workshops, seminars and resources.
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