CPT12 Pressroom

DENVER– March 17, 2009 – KBDI-Channel 12 will air the Mark Twain Prize ceremony posthumously honoring longtime Channel 12 friend and comedian George Carlin Wednesday, Mar. 25 at 9 p.m.

The annual Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize recognized Carlin in November for the impact that his humor had on American society.  Leading American entertainers Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Garry Shandling, Lily Tomlin, Denis Leary, Joan Rivers, Lewis Black, Richard Belzer and Margaret Cho honored the late comedian.

The announcement of Carlin’s receiving the Mark Twain Prize was made a week before the comedian’s passing in June 2008. He was delighted with the honor and was looking forward to attending the ceremony.  A potent social commentator, Carlin released over 22 solo albums and was a New York Times best-selling author, five-time Emmy nominated actor, the first-ever host of Saturday Night Live and appeared more than 130 times on The Tonight Show. 

Carlin had an ongoing relationship with KBDI, Channel 12, performing in eight benefit concerts since 1994.  Carlin’s final concert for KBDI was two months prior to his death.

“Carlin performed shows for large promoters throughout the country,” KBDI staff member Paula Roth said.  “But in Denver he instead chose to support KBDI Colorado Public Television exclusively. 

“It’s not about the money,” Carlin explained to Roth.  “It is about loyalty, making the right choices and helping support an organization that truly makes a difference.” 

“George Carlin reflected KBDI’s deep commitment to freedom of speech,” Wick Rowland, KBDI general manager, said.  “He had an unwavering, clear-eyed capacity through comedy to see the truth and bravely share his insight.”