So, I was watching hing Connecticut Public TV the other night, and … oh wait, that’s wrong: I wasn’t watching.

And why was that? Because Connecticut’s public television (CPTV) is one of the nation’s worst public broadcasters. It’s a station that focuses on myriad British mystery reruns, tired personal service lectures while frequently ignoring major educational television programs like Great Performances.

And why would they do this in a state where the populace is well educated and well off financially? I asked, and I was told by one of the TV execs that its because viewers want British mysteries no matter how old along with self-help talks no matter how repetitive.

“Our programmers know that’s what our viewers want, and they want them at certain times and certain days of the week. We know what gets good ratings, and we want to provide programming that. meets the needs of our viewers,” the executive told me in an email a couple of weeks ago.

I mentioned that broadcasters in other, smaller states like South Carolina originate a number of network programs while Connecticut doesn’t seem to do any. “We feel like we’re serving what our viewers in this state want,” I was told.

Pretty narrow, even shabby thinking, if you ask me. It’s why — in spite of a life-long affection for and participation in public broadcasting — I refuse to support the Connecticut system. Their approach to the lowest public denominator is a disservice to this state and many of its residents. Including me.

Until there’s some new leadership and some new thinking — is that even possible in this system? — count me out. This is a broascaster badly in need of reform.