As KCET-TV puts together its first programming plans as it prepares to break from PBS, the Los Angeles Times‘ Scott Collins provides a peek at what Los Angeles-area viewers can expect from the new lineup: decades-old programs available on DVD and locally produced shows such as "SoCal Connected."

"My hope in putting this schedule together, leaning heavily on acquisitions, is that people would realize our commitment to programming and storytelling that is very specific to Southern California," said KCET chief content officer Mary Mazur. Even though KCET won’t be part of the PBS system, it will continue as a public broadcasting outlet, the story says. And given that its break from PBS has been widely criticized, its new scheduling plans will put the station to the test.

The new shows include "Roger Ebert Presents at the Movies," a new film-review show presented by Chicago’s PBS station WTTW-TV, and "The Write Environment," a show hosted by screenwriter Jeffrey Berman.

The station has also bought English-language shows from Japanese broadcaster NHK, such as a news show called "NHK Newsline," and familiar repeats to PBS viewers, such as the detective drama "Prime Suspect" and the BBC comedy "Keeping Up Appearances."