Public Television

Thanks to Kevin Brass for taking notice of our anniversary programming in his (Sept. 21) column. His cautionary words regarding our local productions are valuable food for thought, although we had already found ourselves chewing on similar thoughts months ago.

For some time we have been taking steps to improve both the quality and quantity of our local programming. Currently, we are long on ideas and short on the space and facilities to implement them. The new building will go a long way toward improving our production capacity. As for quality, innovative, creative programming does cost money. Paul Marshall produces innovative, creative dance videos on a relative shoestring, but the public affairs documentaries Brass is talking about are labor, time and cost-intensive. It is correct to note that a one-hour documentary often costs as much as a 26-part studio-based series. Our plans for the new broadcast center include a programming endowment, which will give us the ability-the freedom-to produce programming we haven’t been able to consider up to this point.

One quibble: Brass’s remarks that KPBS is “often seen as a society vehicle” that is more interested in wealthy patrons than in the general public, is just plain silly, not even close to reality. We certainly value all our donors, those that are wealthy and those who contribute $5 a year. One celebratory, glamorous gala does not cause us to forget our mandate of public service.

Anyway, thanks, Kevin, for making us think and for nudging us in the right direction as we head into our next 25 years.

PAUL J. STEEN, General Manager, KPBS-TV/FM