Introducing KQED Plus

KQED, one of the most-watched public television stations in the nation, proudly introduces KQED Plus, another channel of unique television programming. The introduction of KQED Plus completes the 2006 merger of KTEH and KQED. The goal of the merger was Better Programs, Better Business, Better Future. KQED secured KTEH financially; greatly expanded the station's broadcast reach; and differentiated the programming to offer even more variety and less program overlap. KQED preserved and enhanced what was already popular on KTEH, such as the Brilliantly British programs, the best of PBS KIDS, and other audience favorites. Now, everyone has KQED and even more of the quality programming you love.

Why are we changing the name?
For more than a year, we interviewed constituents to discuss the impact of such a change. We've spoken with former board members of and donors to KTEH; conducted surveys with the KTEH audience as well as with the KQED Board of Directors, Community Advisory Panel, and staff; and we consulted with branding firms who are familiar with non-profit organizations and brand identity.

The findings were consistent. There was brand confusion among the public, many not making the connection that KTEH was managed and programmed by KQED. It was not clear that KQED serves San Jose with not just one television station but with ALL our services – KQED 9, KTEH, KQED 88.5 FM, KQED.org, and KQED Education. It was confusing that KTEH had a different name when in fact all these services emanate from one organization – KQED. Creating a closer alignment between KTEH and KQED benefits the community by creating greater synergy among all the services delivered under the KQED brand.

KQED is the dominant public media brand in Santa Clara County. KQED Public Radio is the #1 radio station in the San Jose market, and KQED Public Television 9 has more viewers and members in Santa Clara County than KTEH. Changing the name benefits the community by building equity in a single well-known, highly-respected brand.

In addition, we're always attempting to create ways to steward the resources our members so generously provide. By putting all stations under one brand, we eliminate duplication of efforts requiring valuable staff time and financial resources.

Why are we calling it KQED Plus?
Research made it clear that our members will receive more unique programming than ever before -- all of the quality programming from flagship KQED 9 plus another entire channel of KQED programming, allowing for even more variety.

What about the programs I watch on KTEH?
The quality programs you currently receive on KTEH will be found on KQED Plus. Mysteries, dramas, PBS KIDS programming all day – you'll never miss your favorites.

Will KQED Plus lose the focus on the South Bay?
KQED is committed to the South Bay. KQED's original programs like QUEST and Check, Please! Bay Area already present stories with a South Bay focus. This is Us is scheduled to continueprofiling the people of the region. In addition, KQED Public Radio frequently covers stories focused on the South Bay. KQED's hope is to have more coverage of the region than ever before. Additional plans for the South Bay will be announced in the future.

What happened to my monthly member publication?
Since you now have even more programming choices, we created a new publication, On Q, which provides schedule information for KQED 9 and KQED Plus. On Q also has extended listings for KQED World and KQED Life and more information about programming on KQED Public Radio. You can also access On Q at KQED.org. The Web page includes extra features such as links to monthly prime-time program calendars and an alphabetical program list; exclusive Web extras; and more. Detailed program information is also available at KQED.org/tv.

Are there separate memberships for KQED 9 and KQED Plus? Must I join both?
No. There is only one membership for KQED. Member contributions support the entire organization. However, acquisition and broadcast costs remain the same and we hope you will continue your financial support of both stations.

Will my KTEH membership be transferred automatically?
Yes. All KTEH memberships will be migrated to KQED. We hope to have all accounts converted to KQED accounts by the end of the calendar year. We appreciate your patience during this complicated transition.

What will happen to the KTEH website, KTEH.org?

The KTEH.org website is scheduled to exist through October 2011.
 
We have already migrated the television schedules, the most visited content on KTEH.org, to a more accurate and easy-to-navigate system on KQED.org.
 
We merged fundraising operations in 2010, so the content in the "Support" section of KQED.org accurately reflects both stations under the name of KQED.
 
The unique content that is still available on KTEH.org, including the Back Talk w/ Becca blog, and television highlights specific to KQED Plus (formerly KTEH), will be migrated over to KQED.org by the end of October 2011.
 
We will continue to update this FAQ as we move through the transition.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?
We have several ways for you to contact us with your questions or concerns. Members can contact Member Services at 415.553.2150 or email member@kqed.org. If you are not a member of KQED, contact Audience Services at 415.553.2135 or email tv@kqed.org.

Also on KQED.org this week ...