Four television stations were studied and potential audiences surveyed in Los Angeles, California, to explore the extent of ethnic television, determine how its content reflects community influence, and examine viewers' attitudes toward ethnic television broadcasting. Fourteen ethnic oroups were represented in ethnic television during the year-long period of the study, with Spanish programs comprising the majority of ethnic broadcasts. Programs were imported from the native countries of specific ethnic groups or developed locally under the responsibility of ethnic consultants or private groups. The multiethnic orientation of stations was derived from station policy influenced by economic and cultural considerations. Commercial support, community interest, and stations' scheduling demands affected the amount and content of broadcasts. Programs incorporated local affairs to promote ethnic involvement in broadcasts. Among ethnic group members interviewed, a third had watched programs designed for their groups, but less than three percent preferred such programming over general television fare. However, there appeared to be a demand for more ethnic programs. The data suggest that smaller scale television operations are more likely to involve the community. It is predicted that changes in the nature of ethnicity on television will continue with developments in general television production. (Author/MJL)