Al Jerome, who has run the troubled public TV outlet KCET for the last 18 years, announced Tuesday that he will be stepping down from the organization.

Jerome, 71, said he plans to retire in the next six months while he helps Burbank-based KCETLink, which now runs the station, find a new chhief executive.

KCET left the PBS network in late 2010 after a dispute over dues and other issues. Since then, the station has struggled to find its place as an independent public broadcaster.

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A financial audit released earlier this year raised “substantial doubt” about KCET’s ability to stay in business long-term. The organization lost $12.5 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30, the audit said.

“It’s been a privilege to lead this organization during its PBS years and into an entrepreneurial era,” Jerome said in a statement. Jerome declined an interview request through a spokeswoman.

What do you think of Jerome and his tenure?

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