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Ex-KPCC host Madeleine Brand, who left the station last week, tells Current.org that "outside offers just became too attractive” for her to remain at the station. She doesn't specify any offers, but says she will be staying in Los Angeles. Others in the LA public broadcasting have speculated the former NPR host could fill a role at American Public Media's "Marketplace" or at one of the local public television stations, KPBS or KCET. She did not mention A Martinez, the co-host she picked up a few weeks ago, in the story. She has not, that I know of, publicly said anything but complimentary things about Martinez or the decision to pair the two hosts. She says in the piece that she's in favor of KPCC's goals of enhancing its reporting on Latinos and other ethnic cultures in Southern California, as called for in a $1.8 million Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant last December to the station's parent, Southern California Public Radio.
From the story:
“I am totally in favor of those goals,” Brand said. “I think it’s a great idea to increase minority audiences that are not being served by public radio. Two thumbs up for that. It’s great to have resources to make the show more appealing to more people.”
Brand said she remains proud of the program; she cites a 2.6 ratings share for the last three months, topping the station’s numbers for Morning Edition and All Things Considered. During its run, The Madeleine Brand Show won awards for reporting, writing, features and use of sound, including the 2012 Golden Mike award for best news and public affairs program from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California.“The station gave us absolute freedom to do what we wanted to do,” Brand said. “They let me create what I wanted to, and it worked. And we had a staff that worked well together.”
Brand declined to discuss specifics of her next gig, but did say it will be in Los Angeles, her hometown. “I’m going to be doing stuff I’ve never done before,” she said. “I’m excited to try new things.”
Brand and KPCC parted ways last Friday, just weeks after the station added Martinez as co-host of what had been "The Madeleine Brand Show." Martinez does not not have a news, public affairs or public radio background, and his appointment has been savaged in the comments on KPCC's website. KPCC is also taking a hit on its website over the departure of Brand.
Previously on LA Observed:
KPCC turns to sports for Latino co-host with Madeleine Brand *
KPCC refines job posting for new co-host
KPCC to 'evolve' Madeleine Brand into national Latino show
