OC's PBS station to begin programming for L.A. audiences

Seems like a logical next step for KOCE after inheriting KCET viewers who may be more interested in watching Charlie Rose than "This Week in Korean Macramé." The plan is to develop original content for Los Angeles starting early next year, reports the Business Journal. Whether intentional or not, it's a slap at KCET, which has become a bit of a joke since breaking off its PBS affiliation about a year ago. The L.A. station has been forced to improvise with foreign programming, movies, and public broadcasting retreads, though it still has the well-regarded "SoCal Connected." From the Business Journal (no link available):

"We need to convince people in L.A. and surrounding regions that we're not just concerned about Orange County," said Mel Rogers, chief executive at KOCE, which has renamed itself PBS SoCal to reflect its broader programming. The station will start with public affairs show "Inside OC," which the station is planning to rename "SoCal Insider" for the new season starting Jan. 4. The move will allow KOCE to grow its audience without incurring the production costs of an entirely new program.

Next year KOCE has plans to produce a show on the business side of Hollywood and one that looks at the fine arts scenes in L.A. and NY (being co-developed with WNET). KCET isn't totally out of the picture - it's cut a deal with a production company to develop several locally oriented programs. Meantime, according to the LAT, viewers and donations are way down.