“Tune in next time.” It is a phrase synonymous with television and especially with WYES-TV. WYES-TV signed on the air on April 1, 1957. It was a community licensed public television broadcasting station. It served Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
As the twelfth oldest public television station in the nation, WYES-TV is a cornerstone of the community. It is among the most utilized non-profit institutions in Louisiana and Mississippi. WYES-TV enriches lives with high-quality content. This content educates, informs, inspires, and entertains.
WYES-TV challenges minds. It brightens spirits. It prepares children for a life of learning. The station is an enduring and dynamic part of the community. It enriches the lives of citizens in the Greater New Orleans area and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. WYES-TV produces award-winning programs. These showcase the distinct local culture.
WYES-TV also broadcasts excellent national PBS programming. This demonstrates its commitment. It uses the power of programs and services. It fulfills the promise of public television. It is a resource where all can come together. They can rediscover and preserve the history and values. These make the community a remarkable place to live.
WYES-TV strives to achieve its mission and vision. It incorporates the values of integrity and fairness. It values balance and accountability. It embraces diversity and collaboration. It demands excellence. These values guide decision-making and action.
WYES-TV reflects the community’s many facets. It does this through local and national programming. Community initiatives are important. The organization’s governance matters. So do its operations.
WYES-TV recognizes its mission is enhanced. This happens when the board of trustees works well. The community advisory board is vital. Staff and volunteers all matter. They bring their unique backgrounds and experiences. This helps select and create WYES-TV’s programming. It also strengthens community outreach efforts.
WYES-TV believes in a strong organization and community. It presents an open and welcoming atmosphere to all. This includes all genders and races. It welcomes those with disabilities and varied life experiences. It involves all cultures and education levels. It includes every religion and socioeconomic status.
By striving to understand and celebrate the community’s experiences, WYES-TV demonstrates its commitment. It treats everyone with fairness and respect. WYES-TV is the only independently owned public television station in Louisiana. It is not part of Louisiana Public Broadcasting. WLAE-TV is another station in the city. WYES-TV has a programming agreement with it.
WYES-TV traces its history back to 1953. A group of civic leaders formed the Greater New Orleans Educational Television Association. Marion Abramson led this group. The FCC assigned VHF channel 8 for non-commercial use. The group quickly secured the license.
After some initial delays, the station signed on the air on April 1, 1957. It broadcast on VHF channel 8. It was the 12th educational television station in the United States. It was the second in Louisiana.
On June 8, 1970, the station swapped channel positions with WVUE. WYES-TV moved to channel 12. This allowed WVUE to have a stronger broadcast signal.
WYES-TV is known for its original programming. It was the home of chef Justin Wilson. His show originated from WYES-TV’s studios. Paul Prudhomme was another famous Louisiana chef. WYES-TV has been the originator of cooking shows. Kevin Belton hosted some. Kitchen Queens: New Orleans celebrated Leah Chase. It also spotlighted women chefs.
Since 1997, WYES-TV has televised coverage of the Rex ball during Mardi Gras. Peggy Scott Laborde and Errol Laborde host it. The Mistick Krewe of Comus also participates. This event symbolizes the end of Carnival season. WYES-TV continues to be a vital part of New Orleans. It informs, educates, and entertains.