Public broadcasting stations KCETLink Media Group in Los Angeles and PBS SoCal (KOCE) in Orange County announced April 25 that they will merge.

The merger, which the non-profit outfits stated should be finalized by the end of June, brings KCET back under the Public Broadcasting Service umbrella after seven years as an independent affiliate.

The companies characterized the merger as one of equals that creates a Southern California hub for public broadcasting.

KCET Board of Directors Chairman Dick Cook will serve Board Chair, and PBC So Cal President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Russell will maintain his president and CEO role with the new company.

“Southern California is a global center for innovation, a trend-setter, and home to the world’s foremost creative talent,” Russsell said in a statement. “Together, we will tell more stories that matter, and better serve our region – one of the most diverse places in the country.”

There will be no immediate changes to KCET or KOCE’s programming content, per the announcement. A name for the newly formed media entity is set to be unveiled when the merger is complete.

Media and entertainment reporter Matthew Blake can be reached at (323) 556-8332 or [email protected]