KCET picks up $ 1.6 mil from March pledge drive
Although KCET finished the 21-day drive slightly above its projection of $ 1. 59 million, it still wound up about $ 44,000 below last year's March pledge levels and at the lowest level since the station garnered $ 1.4 million in March 1990.
Based on the outcome of the most recent pledge effort, station spokeswoman Barbara Goen said the public station should have generated more than $ 39 million by the end of the fiscal year in June.
That is more than $ 1 million below KCET's $ 40.4 million in revenue projections but enough to put the station narrowly in the black.
KCET president William Kobin lent a note of caution. "This is a difficult year financially, and it is critical that this level of support continues," he said.
KCET was forced to eliminate 19 positions in October and January as part of downsizing that has resulted in the station's work force shrinking from more than 300 six years ago to 235. Goen emphasized staffing levels are driven by the number of big productions under way at any one time.
While KCET anticipates it will have adequate funds to head off further reductions, the spokeswoman cautioned that optimistic outlook could change in a sudden downturn in contributions.
During this month's drive, the station received 25,168 pledges and contributions.
A few more pledge days are scheduled in June.
