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KPBS

The 1980s

Construction of a new transmitter in 1980 provides greater coverage of KPBS programming to San Diegans.
news clipping from the San Diego Union Tribune
Construction of a new transmitter in 1980 provides greater coverage of KPBS programming to San Diegans.

A new transmitter allows KPBS to deliver high quality radio and television programs to a larger San Diego audience. During the eighties KPBS Television thrives, offering innovative local programs like "Club Date" and "Sing Out" - and debuts national programs like "This Old House," "Nature," "Reading Rainbow" and the "MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour."

And on KPBS-FM listeners tune in for "Contact 89" – a daily news magazine - and "Calling Moscow," a unique locally produced call-in program allowing Americans across the nation to pose questions to Soviet guests at Radio Moscow. With an established member base and mature audience, KPBS develops more sophisticated means to fundraise including corporate donations and major giving through the Producers Club.

Technological advances including computer systems and recording devices, combined with increased fundraising capabilities, help set the stage for KPBS to meet a growing demand for quality news and information going into the 1990s.