Los Angeles, CA (Monday August 22, 2005) - 89.3 KPCC will hold a special gala event on Sunday, October 16th to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of AirTalk with Larry Mantle, the longest-running radio talk show in Los Angeles. The event will be held at the newly renovated Beverly Hills Hotel at 5:30 PM. It will mark the first time that 89.3 KPCC, the flagship station of Southern California Public Radio, has held such an event to celebrate the dynamism of the communities that it serves and that come together to form the world’s most diverse metropolis.

AirTalk with Larry Mantle made its debut on KPCC on April 1, 1985. Since then, AirTalk has addressed the issues and events that matter to Southern Californians. Host Larry Mantle has conducted literally thousands of thoughtful, penetrating and insightful discussions with community leaders, scholars, athletes, and scientists. Along the way, Mantle has become recognized as Southern California’s premiere interviewer. "It's hard for me to believe that AirTalk has been on the air for two decades,” Mantle says. “It only sinks in when I look at the extraordinary list of guests we've hosted over these 20 years. I am so fortunate to talk with the most interesting thinkers and doers in the world. It's a thrilling and challenging opportunity."

This yearlong commemoration will culminate with the gala event on October 16th. The gala will be hosted by actress Wendie Malick, a two-time Emmy and Golden Globe nominee known for her roles on the hit television shows Just Shoot Me, Frasier and Jake in Progress. Jeff Greenstein, most recently producer on Will and Grace, is contributing to the content and format of the program, which will provide an entertaining look to the past and future of AirTalk. The evening will be capped with swing dancing to the music of the twenty member strong Citrus College Band.

AirTalk’s 20th Anniversary Gala is co-chaired by Leah and Gregory Bergman, both of whom have contributed to the well being of Southern California through distinguished legal careers and as leaders in the region’s artistic and cultural communities. “We have been long-time financial supporters of KPCC and enjoy listening to the many programs the station has to offer, especially AirTalk” said Leah Bergman. “As personal friends of Larry's, we were honored to dedicate our talents to ensure the success of this Inaugural Gala Dinner. We encourage everyone to participate.”

The celebration of Air Talk’s twenty years on the air also presents an important opportunity to reflect on the growth of KPCC and its ability to fulfill its public service mission to strengthen the civic and cultural bonds that unite Southern California’s diverse communities. “Larry Mantle embodies KPCC’s mission,” said Bill Davis, President of Southern California Public Radio. “In addition to his tremendous intellect and curiosity, Larry’s passionately committed to making a difference in the civic and cultural life of Southern California.”

In addition to the release of “This is AirTalk: 20 Years of Conversations on KPCC,” a book featuring some of AirTalk’s most interesting interviews, the show has observed its 20th anniversary by going on the road and visiting locations around Southern California. These special remote broadcasts have taken place at wide array of locations from Leimert Park, Palm Springs, the Santa Monica Pier, the Huntington Library in Pasadena, and the Museum of Radio and Television in Beverly Hills.

89.3 KPCC is the flagship station of Southern California Public Radio. In the past three years KPCC has won more awards for excellence in journalism than any other radio station in Southern California. KPCC is also the fastest-growing public radio station in the country, airing the signature public radio news and talk programs from NPR, along with AirTalk weekdays from 10 a.m.-noon, and Talk of the City with Kitty Felde weekdays from 2-3 p.m. Visit www.kpcc.org for more information.

Media Contact
Paul Glickman
(626) 585-3158
pglickman@kpcc.org