KCET Productions

I am surprised to read John Blanchette’s letter on “KCET’s Mission” (Saturday Letters, June 9). Based on its many inaccuracies, I wonder when he last tuned into KCET. He claims that KCET produces “no national programs.” Yet, only last April, the station premiered its national drama series “PBS Hollywood Presents” with “The Old Settler” and has announced its next drama production, “Collected Stories,” to begin this summer.

In addition, “Chasing the Sun,” a KCET documentary series on commercial aviation, premieres on PBS in July, followed by two KCET presentations, “School” and “The First Year,” which form the basis of a PBS National Education Week in early September. Most exciting is the fact that KCET is now working with filmmaker Gregory Nava to bring “American Family” to PBS.

Since joining KCET five years ago, Al Jerome has led a team which has also produced a Vikki Carr concert, a financial special with Hispanic investment expert Julie Stav, and a production of the original radio version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” to name just a few national programs. What do they all have in common? They support Mr. Jerome’s strategic direction of producing television shows that reflect this community. This is the goal of our production efforts.

BRUCE M. RAMER

Incoming chairman, KCET Board