Caltech, Public TV Program to Join Forces
Closer to Truth explores fundamental issues in science and human understanding and encourages high-quality discourse in "new knowledge" through television programming, videos, books and two Web sites (www.closertotruth.com and www.scitechdaily.com).
The Closer to Truth television program airs on public television stations nationally, including KOCE in Orange County and KCET in Los Angeles. It brings together leading scientists, scholars, and artists to focus on topics that fall within five categories: brain and mind, life and health, technology and culture, earth and universe, and thinking and meaning. Topics explore fresh ideas and the frontier of creative thinking, often presenting diverse, contrasting views through informal, impassioned discussions among experts that are tailored for general audiences.
Bruce Murray, emeritus professor of planetary science and geology at Caltech, and provost Steve Koonin have appeared on several earlier episodes, and vice provost David Goodstein moderates an online discussion on the Closer to Truth Web site. The new agreement will expand the number of Caltech faculty appearing in future television episodes.
The enterprise Closer to Truth was created by Dr. Robert Lawrence Kuhn who is also the host of the Closer to Truth television program. He is a Pasadena resident, holds a Ph.D. in anatomy/brain research from UCLA, is president of The Geneva Companies, a mergers and acquisitions firm, and is chairman of the Kuhn Foundation which funds and operates Closer to Truth. He also created and produced the PBS special "In Search of China," and edited the Closer to Truth book (McGraw-Hill).
Murray leads the development of the Closer to Truth Web site that is maintained by KCET. It includes streaming video and transcripts of all the TV panel discussions, resumés and links to the guest experts, TV schedules, and other related links and resources. It also has a chat feature called a "HyperForum," a moderated, online discussion among professionals and others who wish to participate. As part of the agreement, the Closer to Truth (www.closertotruth.com) and Caltech (www.caltech.edu) Web sites will be linked.
During the coming year, Caltech and Closer to Truth will jointly tape and produce a number of Caltech events for distribution to cable and broadcast stations throughout the U.S. These programs will also be made available as streaming video on both web sites. The agreement provides for originating some Closer to Truth shows on the Caltech campus.
"This partnership expands the Institute's presence in electronic media to better share our groundbreaking research with the public," said Caltech provost Steven Koonin
"Closer to Truth's objectives are to raise scientific awareness, enhance scientific literacy, increase appreciation of the human condition, and improve critical thinking," commented Kuhn. "This new agreement with Caltech is a perfect way to accelerate our achieving these goals," he added.
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