Here we stand before a monument to innovation. This is the KUHT-TV, Channel 8 Plaque. It marks a place of firsts in broadcasting history.
KUHT began its journey on May 25 1953. It was the first non-commercial educational television station in the U.S. The University of Houston established KUHT. Dr. John C. Schwarzwalder a professor, and Dr. John W. Meaney helped create it.
Initially, KUHT broadcast from the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. This building was on the University of Houston campus. Dedication ceremonies were broadcast on June 8 of that year. The station cost $350000 to build. Its annual budget was about $110000.
KUHT offered televised college credit classes. These ran 13 to 15 hours per week. By the mid-1960s one-third of its programming was educational. Over 100000 semester hours were taught on KUHT.
In 1964, KUHT moved to the Texas Television Center. This was previously used by KNUZ-TV. Later, KTRK-TV used it until 1961. KUHT bought a new transmitter. This allowed broadcasting in color. It also reached beyond Harris County.
In 1970, the Public Broadcasting Service or PBS began. It combined education with shows like Sesame Street. KUHT was also a local leader in technical advancements. In 1981, it was Houston’s first station with closed captioning. By 1991, Descriptive Video Service audio was offered.
In 1982, KUHT began using a new transmitter near Missouri City. For years, it was known as Houston Public Television. Later, it became HoustonPBS.
On August 21 2000, KUHT moved to the Melcher Center. It shares this facility with KUHF radio. Both are owned by the University of Houston System.
In 2014, KUHT became part of Houston Public Media. The station dropped the HoustonPBS name. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, KHOU temporarily used KUHT’s facilities.
KUHT has an archive of old film reels and videocassettes. Some items are over 50 years old. The Texas State Library granted money for film preservation.
KUHT produced original shows for PBS. These include Cucina Sicilia and InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse. Space Station and The Story of Jesse H. Jones were also produced.
KUHT’s story is one of innovation. From educational TV to technical firsts, KUHT made its mark. It continues to serve Houston as a vital public media source. This plaque commemorates that rich history.