KEDT-TV: Information

South Texas Public Broadcasting System Inc. was organized in 1972 by a group of community-minded citizens who worked to bring KEDT-TV, Channel 16 to the Coastal Bend as a reflection of the cultural heritage of its citizens.

KEDT-TV's mission statement reads as follows:

"South Texas Public Broadcasting System, Inc. is committed to educating, enlightening and inspiring all communities of South Texas."

Public Broadcasting is intended to reflect the many perspectives of our society, while providing valuable information to the viewer. Public Broadcasting allows for debate, in-depth development of sensitive issues, and entertainment for all ages. Public Broadcasting offers a window to the world and the community it serves.

During the 1980's and 1990's, KEDT-TV produced several programs for broadcast on PBS.

In honor of the Texas Sesquicentennial, KEDT-TV produced "LONE STAR" an eight-part series on the history of Texas hosted by Larry Hagman. Even today, schools throughout Texas continue to request the series to supplement their Texas history courses.

Bill Moyers and Studs Turkel hosted KEDT-TV's production of "JOHN HENRY FAULK: THE MAN WHO BEAT THE BLACKLIST." This documentary focused on the impact of McCarthyism on the nation and one individual's life.

Another national production, "LIZ CARPENTER AND THE GOOD OLD BOYS," took a lighthearted look at the unique culture and life of the Texas "good old boy."

The documentary, "USS LEXINGTON: ALWAYS READY!" was created by KEDT-TV as the first comprehensive broadcast story about the World War II aircraft carrier with the longest service record in U.S. Navy history.

In 2002, KEDT-TV premiered JUSTICE FOR MY PEOPLE: THE DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA STORY. Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a hometown hero to thousands who lived and worked with him in Corpus Christi and surrounding communities. As a result, KEDT-TV was uniquely positioned to bring his story to the nation.

In the future, the role of Public Broadcasting and KEDT-TV will significantly change. With the advent of high definition television, compressed video, and expanded wired and wireless cable, consumers will have a wider variety of choices in the programming they choose to view and listen. In addition, interactive media will begin to play a greater role in business, education, and the entertainment market.

The future for KEDT-TV will be in a variety of discreet and specialized program services, which will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of South Texas. KEDT-TV's future success will lie in its ability to continue to provide relevant and valued services to the many communities we serve - such as JUSTICE FOR MY PEOPLE: THE DR. HECTOR P. GARCIA STORY.