In lieu of flowers
Background
About Kqed
KQED is for everyone who wants to be more. Our television, radio, digital media and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration—exposing them to new people, places and ideas.
We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public service.
A Message from KQED President Michael Isip
KQED is a purpose-bound and mission-aligned organization. We exist to inform, inspire and involve because an informed, inspired and involved citizenry is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Our mission is to serve audiences with trusted, quality programming, so that individuals can achieve their full potential. We know that when media is used as a force for good, we can spark curiosity, foster understanding and build bridges across differences. KQED combines media, journalism and technology for the common good, and we aspire to be the leading convener of civic dialogue in the Bay Area.
KQED values include creativity, diversity, service and trust. We exemplify those values in our programming, storytelling, journalism and educational services. We also believe in transparency, and in that spirit we have a Standards and Practices section with greater detail about how we practice journalism and adhere to the highest principles in our work every day.
Frequently asked questions
Answered by a team member at Kqed
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What is your mission?
KQED is for everyone who wants to be more. Our television, radio, digital media and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.
KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration—exposing them to new people, places and ideas.
We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public service.
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How are donations used?
Donations are used to fund the operation of KQED including our newsroom, radio and television operations as well as events and other departments.
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What progress has been made already thanks to your donors?
Your donations help us stay on the air and continue to provide quality news coverage for the bay area and beyond.
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What is the history of your organization?
KQED was organized and created by veteran broadcast journalists James Day and Jonathan Rice on June 1, 1953, and first went on air April 5, 1954. It was the sixth public broadcasting station in the United States, debuting shortly after WQED in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The station's call letters, Q.E.D., are taken from the Latin phrase, quod erat demonstrandum, commonly used in mathematics.[5] KQED-FM was founded by James Day in 1969 as the radio arm of KQED Television.
On May 1, 2006, KQED, Inc. and the KTEH Foundation merged to form Northern California Public Broadcasting.[6] The KQED assets including its television (KQED) and FM radio stations (KQED-FM) were taken under the umbrella of that new organization. Both remained members of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), respectively. With this change, KQED and KTEH started operating as sister-stations. In October 2006, members gave up their right to vote on the Board of Directors, one of the few major organizations with that arrangement.[7][8] The "Northern California" name did not become widely used, so in December 2010, the umbrella organization was renamed to "KQED, Inc."
