PBS Demands Payment From Seattle Station

PBS has told Seattle affiliate KCTS it wants immediate payment of $3.8 million in back dues, part of $5.2 million the station owes for 2000, 2001 and 2003. “KCTS has until sometime next month to come up with a plan for repayment. Should Channel 9 be unable to do so, PBS could begin sanctions to force KCTS to become a “pass through” station, taking a direct feed through satellite and forgoing local content. Worse, KCTS could lose its affiliation.”