Prospective KOCE buyers wait for college district’s next move

Marissa Espino

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Cal Poly Pomona is at least one prospective

KOCE buyer continuing to show interest in purchasing the

public-television station, although the Coast Community College District

school board is trying to keep it at Golden West College.

Cal Poly Pomona officials met with KOCE representatives Tuesday.

“I can tell you as a university we are certainly looking at the

possibility of being a partner of this project,” said Ron Fremont, the

school’s director of public affairs. “How much it goes beyond that is

really too early to say. I can’t tell you what our position will be next

week.”

USC and Chapman University have also expressed interest in purchasing

the station, which needs $8.5 million to convert its technology into a

digital format within the next five years.

The school district’s board of trustees, the holder of the PBS

affiliate’s broadcast license, discussed the station’s possible sale Aug.

18.

“I think the board, before seriously considering a sale, they would

like to explore whatever [funding] options they can find to keep the

station,” said Mel Rogers, the station’s president and general manager.

Rogers said the board’s decision should not prevent the station from

meeting with prospective buyers seeking public information about KOCE,

which is valued at between $26 million and $39 million.

“What the board said doesn’t mean [other universities] can’t come and

make an offer,” he said. “[So far] there have been questions and

inquiries, but no offers.”

Ruth Wardwell, a Chapman University spokeswoman, said the school is

not really prepared to pursue any more inquiries and it is up to the

community college district to take the next step.

USC officials could not be reached for comment.

Board President Armando Ruiz said he expects a report on the

district’s funding options to be presented to the board in November.

“We are waiting to hear what can be done,” Ruiz said. “Until we have

all the information, then a decision will be made by the board.”