Contact: Sevda Eris, Publicist, seris@kqed.org, 415.553.2835

Two New Reports on Radio and Television July 14 and 18

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The debate over hydraulic fracturing, the controversial oil and gas extraction technique known as “fracking,” is heating up in California. KQED, the public media organization serving Northern California, continues its coverage of fracking in California with two new special reports on July 14 and 18.

Some environmental groups have called for a moratorium on fracking until the state does a comprehensive review of potential impacts on both water and air quality. As California state agencies work to develop fracking regulations some counties have started to push for local bans instead.

KQED’s new fracking coverage is as follows:
•Monday, July 14: radio reports at 6:30am and 8:30am on 88.5 FM - Industry groups say fracking is safe but the practice has generated contentious debate about how to regulate energy production and balance concerns over environmental quality, safety and the well-being of nearby communities. KQED Science reporters travel to San Benito, 90 miles south of San Francisco, to take a look at how the county is leading efforts in California to ban fracking at a local level. San Benito is the first county in the state to qualify an anti-fracking initiative for the November 2014 election. KQED’s radio coverage also includes an online article and video report.

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•Friday, July 18: KQED NEWSROOM at 8pm on KQED Public Television 9 - KQED’s weekly news series will take an in-depth look at the fracking debate with a special program exploring the science behind the extraction technique and the social, environmental and political landscape shaping its use and regulation in the future. The program highlights grassroots activists in San Benito County, CA, who are campaigning hard to ban fracking, even though the practice is not currently in use in that county. Viewers will also hear from a local oil producer who says that increasing oil production in California could decrease the state's reliance on imported oil, and create jobs and economic growth. David Baker, San Francisco Chronicle energy reporter; Scott Detrow, KQED Sacramento bureau chief; and Lauren Sommer, KQED Science radio reporter, will provide a range of perspectives and analysis on the science, politics and social impacts of hydraulic fracturing in California.

About KQED
KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. Home to one of the most listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services, an award-winning education program, and as a leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

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KQED Expands Fracking Coverage