An appeals court has clouded the future of KOCE-TV, voiding the sale of the PBS affiliate to its foundation, the Huntington Beach-based station said Friday.
The decision comes after a rival bidder, religious broadcaster Daystar Television Network of Dallas, sought to overturn the 2004 sale. Daystar argued its bid for Channel 50 was higher than the foundation’s and should have been accepted.
While the appeals court said the sale process was flawed, it did not agree with Daystar’s request that it be given the broadcast license.
The KOCE Foundation bought the station two years ago from the Coast Community College District. Daystar appealed, alleging religious discrimination in the sale.
“We at KOCE are exploring various options including legal appeals to insure that KOCE-TV continues as Orange County’s station for local education, Orange County news and information and quality PBS programming,” said KOCE-TV President Mel Rogers.
The foundation bought the station’s license for $28 million. Daystar had bid $25 million, which it raised to $40 million shortly after the bidding process was closed.
