This is the first and (probably) only KCET sign off we've seen with a National Anthem film. Double bonus for the USC Marching Band playing it in a special KCET formation.
Well there is a reason for that rendition of our National Anthem. Before KCET, there was KTHE. USC ran KTHE, on the same UHF analog channel 28 during 1953 and 1954. More can be found at a place online called the History of UHF Television. And yes, for those outside LA like myself, KCET was on 28, one of a rare UHF PBS station in a major market (Washington's WETA channel 26 being the other).
Very few PBS member stations - including KCET - ended their broadcast day with our salute to America. Most PBS stations would cut right to the test pattern, and then, cut off the juice. That was, until it was time to go back on the air in the morning. A real treat to see a PBS station sign off with the star spangled banner.
Very nice presentation and a very well performed rendition of our national anthem! Also, for the benefit and information of you and others who view this, the words thereof were written by Francis Scott Key in the aftermath of the British attack on Baltimore's Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 when he saw the American flag still waving over the fort that morning and below are Mr. Key's words if you want to look them over while listening or sing along as you stand with your hand over your heart. O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"Just before we say good night, KCET would like to thank you for joining us for another day of programming without commercials. KCET is operated by Community Television of Southern California. Our studios are located in Los Angeles at 4400 Sunset Drive. Your comments regarding our programs are invited. And now, good night and good morning from KCET Los Angeles."
The first listings I find for "The Ascent of Man" were in very early January of 1975. Of course this could still be late 1974 with a promo of the show.
So clearly, KCET chose a side in the Trojans vs. Bruins rivalry. Out of fairness, I hope they gave equal time to UCLA's band for an SSB film of their own.
I have seen some KCET sign-offs from the late 1970's through the 1990's...none of them had the SSB...and clearly it seems KCET was on the side of the USC Trojans. So I have come up with a nickname for this very rare anthem...Fight On, SC, named for USC's song. And crazy how the band formed the call letters KCET.
For those who were there then, can anyone remember what type of test pattern KCET used - the old-style B&W? the "color wedge" pattern? electronic color bars?
@@hf6150 And the Rams as well. Note the signage for American Airlines and ARCO on the peristyle. Now USC has sponsorships from rivals United (which took the field naming rights) and Chevron.
This is the first and (probably) only KCET sign off we've seen with a National Anthem film. Double bonus for the USC Marching Band playing it in a special KCET formation.
Well there is a reason for that rendition of our National Anthem. Before KCET, there was KTHE. USC ran KTHE, on the same UHF analog channel 28 during 1953 and 1954. More can be found at a place online called the History of UHF Television. And yes, for those outside LA like myself, KCET was on 28, one of a rare UHF PBS station in a major market (Washington's WETA channel 26 being the other).
That was genius using the USC marching band in this sequence for KCET! Pure genius!
Love the tonal jingle ident at the beginning. Charming station.
Very few PBS member stations - including KCET - ended their broadcast day with our salute to America. Most PBS stations would cut right to the test pattern, and then, cut off the juice. That was, until it was time to go back on the air in the morning. A real treat to see a PBS station sign off with the star spangled banner.
Moreover, public television, they should have respect!
Very nice presentation and a very well performed rendition of our national anthem!
Also, for the benefit and information of you and others who view this, the words thereof were written by Francis Scott Key in the aftermath of the British attack on Baltimore's Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 when he saw the American flag still waving over the fort that morning and below are Mr. Key's words if you want to look them over while listening or sing along as you stand with your hand over your heart.
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
o'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave?
"Just before we say good night, KCET would like to thank you for joining us for another day of programming without commercials. KCET is operated by Community Television of Southern California. Our studios are located in Los Angeles at 4400 Sunset Drive. Your comments regarding our programs are invited. And now, good night and good morning from KCET Los Angeles."
You've got to admit, that's very original. Even with modern standards.
The first listings I find for "The Ascent of Man" were in very early January of 1975.
Of course this could still be late 1974 with a promo of the show.
So clearly, KCET chose a side in the Trojans vs. Bruins rivalry. Out of fairness, I hope they gave equal time to UCLA's band for an SSB film of their own.
Remembering this vintage KCET sign-off, my PBS station KPBS San Diego never had any anthems or SSBs back then!!
I have seen some KCET sign-offs from the late 1970's through the 1990's...none of them had the SSB...and clearly it seems KCET was on the side of the USC Trojans. So I have come up with a nickname for this very rare anthem...Fight On, SC, named for USC's song. And crazy how the band formed the call letters KCET.
Lovely sign off
For those who were there then, can anyone remember what type of test pattern KCET used - the old-style B&W? the "color wedge" pattern? electronic color bars?
You gotta admit, people would pay for a flashy sign off back then. How many times now would you see this?
Probably aired between January-April 1975
Never seen that SSB before where it was shown right before the football game. This is what you don't see it everyday.
It wasn't a football game. But it was the Univ. of Southern California's band doing their thing at what looks like the Coliseum.
@@RolloSmokes Yes, that's the Coliseum. In an era when both USC and UCLA played home games there.
@@hf6150 And the Rams as well. Note the signage for American Airlines and ARCO on the peristyle. Now USC has sponsorships from rivals United (which took the field naming rights) and Chevron.
Why am I here? I'm not even American...
KCET-28 1990 Opening Early Morning. Very Rare...
0:34 they formed KCET
pretty good of the USC
Clearly "Tusk" had not been written yet. :-)
0:22 Shazam army