Multilingual TV Pioneer

* We feel it is important to point out that the multilingual programming formats that many cable and satellite systems are launching across the country started right here in Los Angeles in 1976 on KSCI-TV Channel 18 [“TV Talks to Immigrant Markets,” Jan. 15].

That was when KSCI became the first television station in the U.S. to provide round-the-clock programming in 15 languages, serving Southern California’s huge and varied ethnic population. KSCI’s programming, then and now, targets the fast-growing Asian, Middle Eastern and European communities with satellite-delivered news broadcasts from such major world news centers as Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Manila and Beijing, as well as with dramas, series, miniseries, variety shows and sports from around the world.

We think it is also significant to note that in 1990, KSCI-TV created and launched the first multilingual national cable network--the International Channel--which was referred to in your article. It is a tribute to the International Channel that of all the national cable networks launched in 1990, it is the only one still in business (and doing quite well, indeed).

RAY BEINDORF

Chairman, Chief Executive

KSCI-TV

West Los Angeles