The Ahmanson Foundation in Los Angeles has awarded KCET, a local public television station, a $1 million grant for the purpose of converting KCET to an independent public television station, Al Jerome, KCET president and CEO announced Tuesday.
KCET will be the country's largest independent public television station, effective Jan. 1, 2011, when the station is ending its 40-year-long affiliation with the Public Broadcasting System. The channel said the decision came about after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a reduction in dues and greater programming flexibility.
"The Ahmanson Foundation has been one of KCET's most important and longstanding foundation supporters," said Jerome.