About Us

The KPBS Mission

KPBS is your NPR and PBS station. For over 60 years we have been right here in San Diego providing locally and nationally-produced news, entertainment, educational, and lifestyle programming for all ages, as well as events and resources that help you build a strong and vibrant community. KPBS provides stories that make us think, help us dream, and keep us connected.

The KPBS Vision

KPBS connects, reflects and serves all of our communities with trusted programming and dialogue.

KPBS News Mission Statement

KPBS news serves the people of the San Diego region with trustworthy, in-depth information that allows the community to hold its leaders accountable. We show how global and local current affairs change our lives, and how San Diego changes the world. We tell you more than just what is happening—we tell you why. KPBS follows the Public Media Code of Integrity and the NPR Ethics Guidelines.

DEI Vision

KPBS will embrace inclusion and celebrate diverse perspectives through news, programming and events to serve all of San Diego’s communities. To be successful, we must first challenge ourselves to unlearn biases, develop cultural competencies, proactively prevent and address microaggressions and be accountable to fostering a culture of inclusion.

KPBS’ staff must also reflect the demographics of the community we serve and embody a culture of belonging where staff are valued, heard and are engaged with their work. As a department of San Diego State University, we will align with campus DEI initiatives, foster an environment of lifelong learning and commit to offering a path for advancement and growth in line with business needs and the campus structure. We acknowledge that in order to succeed in the future, KPBS must continue to evolve, grow, and embrace an equitable and diverse culture, both internally and externally.

Antiracist Statement

KPBS is a public service for all of the diverse communities throughout San Diego and Imperial counties. One of our core values is welcoming diversity. We are excited by new ideas, solutions, voices and viewpoints. We strive to reflect the many differences that characterize our unique region. In order to be an active participant in reinforcing a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, we need to be very clear about what we stand for and against.

KPBS condemns racist systems and beliefs. We choose to make conscious decisions daily that are equitable and based in respect.

As a media organization, we pride ourselves on presenting all viewpoints to provide the full context of a story. However, in the presentation of racist viewpoints and beliefs, we do not need to present sides. There are no two sides to racism or space to debate if it is wrong or right. This is not an opinion or an advocacy position. Racism is wrong and we will call it what it is. We will hold others, and ourselves, accountable.

We acknowledge there is much work to be done both at KPBS and in our communities. This is why public media is so vital and our mission and purpose to give voice to all people is so relevant. In addition, we must speak up and shed a light on injustice. We must challenge ourselves to unlearn biases, develop cultural competencies, stop microaggressions and be accountable to fostering a culture of inclusion.These are complex issues and there is no easy solution. This is true outside and inside our walls. We are committed to doing this necessary and important work.

Relationship with San Diego State University

KPBS’ television license is held by the California State University Board of Trustees. Our FM license is held by San Diego State University. KPBS was founded in 1960 (as KEBS) on the campus of San Diego State University (then San Diego State College). KPBS remains a vital part of the University with our broadcast facilities housed on campus. The KPBS General Manager reports to the President of the University. However, to preserve the trust and integrity KPBS has earned over the decades, the KPBS news operation maintains strict editorial independence from Management, SDSU and corporate underwriters and donors. “KPBS TV and FM are licensed to the Board of Trustees of the California State University (the "CSU") for San Diego State University ("SDSU" or the "University"). KQVO FM is licensed to the State of California on behalf of the University. San Diego State University Research Foundation ("SDSU Research Foundation"), a not-for-profit California corporation, is an auxiliary organization of the CSU, which under a service agreement provides financial accounting and administrative support to the Stations and includes all of the Stations’ accounts, except for certain capital assets, University cash, notes payable and related interest and expenses related to certain State employees in its financial statements. KPBS is a department of the University.” KPBS' Audited Financial Statement, 2020

Our Partners

KPBS values our local content partners that help us provide the best news and information to you, our audience. Those partners include inewsource for their investigative work and 10 News San Diego for breaking news and video. In addition, KPBS is a part of the California Newsroom, a group of public radio newsrooms that partner and share stories that showcase the diversity of perspectives from the Golden State.

KPBS Public Media

Television

KPBS is San Diego's PBS station, offering television programming for all ages. Starting with a full line-up of the most well-researched children's educational programs - like the time-honored SESAME STREET to CURIOUS GEORGE. Add to that KPBS' award-winning news and public affairs programs - including EVENING EDITION and PBS NEWSHOUR, as well as featured local programs that highlight the San Diego community and its culture, people, neighborhoods and issues. KPBS also boasts some of the most critically acclaimed documentary, drama and entertainment programs throughout the week - including MASTERPIECE, FRONTLINE, NOVA, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.

Radio 89.5 FM (97.7 FM Calexico)

KPBS is San Diego's NPR station. Serving the San Diego and Imperial Counties with the largest full service radio news team - featuring local newscasts throughout the day as well as KPBS' signature, locally produced programs: KPBS Morning Edition and KPBS Midday Edition. KPBS' local radio content is complemented by insightful national news magazine and public affairs programs, including All Things Considered and Marketplace. All of KPBS' offerings - local and national - engage listeners by offering fresh perspectives and clear analysis.

Digital

KPBS’ digital platforms provide visitors with the day’s news stories and features from a local, regional, national, and international perspective. Users can access from anywhere a live radio stream as well as local and national stories heard and seen KPBS Radio and TV. Additional online resources include the TV/Radio schedule and the popular event sections which receive more than half a million pageviews per year. Digital users can also sign up for e-newsletters, make a contribution, or provide feedback on KPBS programs and stories. KPBS’ digital audience continues to grow with a monthly average of more than 600,000 visitors to KPBS.org. The station also delivers content via its social media platforms. Through these outlets, KPBS provides various opportunities to engage in an increasingly mobile world.

In the Community

As an extension to the programs on KPBS TV, radio, and digital platforms, KPBS manages a number of special projects and events that keep us connected, inspired and informed. Community Conversations hosts free, solutions-focused, educational discussions on issues important to our region. One Book, One San Diego brings us closer together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book at hundreds of free events. GI Film Festival San Diego presents compelling stories for, by and about military-connected individuals. KPBS Kids engages families with the educational concepts found in our children’s programming.

Newsletters and Alerts

Sign up for our daily newsletters to get the latest news and analysis from KPBS. You can also get sneak peeks at what's coming up on KPBS MIDDAY EDITION, and some of the best content on KPBS Television.

Privacy Policy

KPBS is deeply committed to protecting the privacy of our Internet site visitors and their children. KPBS adheres to a strict policy for preserving the integrity of personally identifiable information (such as full name, address, email address, telephone number and/or other identifiable information). Accordingly, we follow standard industry guidelines and will continue to review and improve our privacy policy and procedures to ensure the safety and protection of visitor information. Read the complete KPBS Privacy Policy.

Accessibility

KPBS is committed to improving the accessibility of this website to better serve users with visual impairment and multiple disabilities. If you experience trouble finding or digesting content and/or have any suggestions, please contact us.