Thank you for taking time to express your concern over the cancellation of “EastEnders.” It is always good when viewers provide feedback to their public television station.
But I must confess it is a bit surprising to read so many negative comments directed at KOCE-TV. For years, we have considered ourselves good guys (and girls) who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in our efforts to keep “EastEnders” on the air despite its considerable expense, loyal but small audience and the series’ relative lack of alignment with KOCE’s mission to educate and engage its viewers as citizens of a democracy.
On several occasions, we have tried to rally “EastEnders” fans to donate to KOCE and help us defray the cost of the series. A few of you have generously contributed. Most have not. And the amounts raised contributed a tiny fraction of the annual cost of the program.
I find it troubling that some of the angriest messages regarding the cancellation of this series came from those who have somehow failed to understand the most basic fundamental regarding public television,that it relies on donations by the public to exist and to purchase the shows that are broadcast.
Do not misunderstand. We are not now asking for your donations to keep “EastEnders” on the air. We have already been down that road.
It is my hope that you are among the 6 million regular KOCE viewers who value the civilizing influence of public television and recognize why it is the most trusted media brand in America. It is you who have helped make KOCE the sixth most-watched out of the nation’s 347 PBS stations.
I further hope it will be possible for BBC America or BBC online to make “EastEnders” available to you in some other manner in the future.
Mel Rogers
General manager, president
KOCE-TV, Huntington Beach
