HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. (April 20, 2008) – From Chapman University, to the Halls of Congress, European Union, and a high-profile position as channel manager of KOCE-TV’s OC Channel – activist, humanitarian, and businesswoman, Brenda Brkusic, has been named to OC Metro magazine’s “Business Stars Under 40” list.

OC Metro’s “40 under 40” recognizes Orange County’s most successful, young individuals. The publication, which boasts a circulation of more than 70,000 copies and readership in excess of 344,000, publishes this listing annually, and this year named Brkusic to the list in its April 24 issue.

“Brenda’s outstanding achievement, including her award-winning documentary, philanthropic efforts and business success, continue to inspire and educate the Orange County community,” said Mel Rogers, KOCE-TV president and general manager. “We are pleased that she has been recognized, and believe strongly that she has a bright future ahead.”

Responsible for the award-winning documentary Freedom from Despair, which reveals the shocking truth about the suppression and abuse of the Croatian people; and a leader in the OC Channel launch, Brkusic is changing the way Orange County receives news and information.

Her work has won dozens of awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle Award, which was previously won by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. She has also been honored by U.S. Congress for her hard work promoting human rights, and was recently invited to present Freedom from Despair to European Parliament. In addition, she has been recognized by Amnesty International and the Anti-Defamation League.

Aside from launching a TV station and producing film tours across the globe, Brkusic regularly speaks to students about leadership and the filmmaking process. She donates a portion of the proceeds from her film sales to charities in war-torn areas of Croatia, and is an active supporter of Adopt-a-Minefield, Roots of Peace, and Artists for Amnesty International.

“It is an amazing feeling to be given this type of recognition for fulfilling my personal dreams and aspirations,” said Brkusic. “I am honored and grateful that my work has been well-received and that I have been chosen to this prestigious list.”

About KOCE-TV
KOCE-TV, located in Huntington Beach, produces Orange County’s only nightly news show, Real Orange – now celebrating its 10th year – as well as Inside OC, the only news and analysis show about Orange County business and politics. KOCE-TV has been lauded for its outstanding service to the community and is the recipient of 25 Emmy Awards and 26 Golden Mike Awards. The station’s staff of producers, writers, directors and reporters thoroughly understands the people, places and issues that define Orange County.

KOCE-TV is the sixth-most watched PBS station in America with an estimated 5.8 million viewers* monthly. KOCE’s award-winning programming offers the fifth-largest county in the nation a long-standing community hub for local news, culture and features, and broadcasts the best available national PBS programs to the entire Southern California five-county region. Known for its outstanding dedication to education, KOCE Classroom serves more than a half million K-12 students. A national Roper poll recently ranked PBS as number one in public trust for the fourth consecutive year.** The winner of hundreds of awards including Emmys and Community Service Awards, KOCE continues to be a vital community resource and connector for Southern California. For more information, please visit www.koce.org.

* Nielsen Station Index 2007
** Reported by the GfKRoper Public Affairs & Media poll (2007)

Editor’s Note: Editor’s Note: For interviews or DVD screeners, contact Leslie Licano at 714-573-0899 ext. 23
or e-mail Leslie@echomediapr.com.

Press Contact: Leslie Licano 714.573.0899 ext. 23 Leslie@echomediapr.com