UNC Television: A History of Public Broadcasting in North Carolina
Unc Television, also known as UNC-TV, has a rich history of providing public broadcasting to North Carolina. From its humble beginnings as a single station in 1955 to its current statewide network, UNC-TV has played a vital role in educating and informing North Carolinians for over half a century. This article explores the development of UNC Television, highlighting key milestones and influential figures in its journey.
From WUNC-TV to a Statewide Network
The story of UNC Television began with WUNC-TV, Channel 4, which launched on January 8, 1955, in Chapel Hill. This marked the birth of noncommercial television in North Carolina and represented the tenth educational television station in the United States. Initially, WUNC-TV operated studios on three University of North Carolina campuses: Chapel Hill, Greensboro, and Raleigh, feeding programs to a single transmitter. Each campus had its own director and programming council. John E. Young, a significant figure in WUNC-TV’s early years, served as director of the Chapel Hill studio from 1959 to 1980.
The vision for a statewide network emerged in the early 1960s. Following a recommendation from a commission appointed by Governor Sanford, the General Assembly allocated funds for network expansion in 1963. This funding, along with grants from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, facilitated the launch of WUNB-TV in Columbia in 1965, marking the second station in the growing network. By 1967, stations in Linville, Asheville, and Concord joined the network, solidifying its presence across the state. Further expansion continued through the 1970s and 1980s with new stations in Wilmington, Greenville, Winston-Salem, Jacksonville, and Roanoke Rapids. The network continued to grow, adding stations in Lumberton in 1996 and Canton/Waynesville in 2010, reaching a total of twelve stations.
Centralization and Modernization of UNC-TV
Initially, the three original production studios operated independently, even as the network expanded. In 1969, the position of Director of Educational Television was created to oversee the growing network. Dr. George Bair held this position until 1980. A pivotal shift occurred in 1979 with the establishment of the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television. This new center consolidated the network’s operations and administration. John W. (Jake) Dunlop became the center’s director in 1980, closing the Raleigh and Greensboro studios and centralizing production in Chapel Hill.
The network underwent further transformation in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The opening of the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Communications Center in Research Triangle Park in 1989 provided state-of-the-art facilities for production and administration. Wyndham Robertson, appointed vice president of communications in 1986, played a crucial role in enhancing the center’s programming. Following Dunlop’s retirement in 1992, Tom Howe was appointed director and general manager, prioritizing original programming. In 1993, the network officially adopted the on-air identity of UNC-TV.
UNC-TV Archives and Historical Records
The University of North Carolina Television Network’s archives, housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, contain a wealth of materials documenting the network’s history from 1949 to 1998. These records include documents related to the network’s planning, development, administration, programming, and interactions with the Federal Communications Commission. The archives also hold a significant collection of films and videotapes of programs broadcast by WUNC-TV and the network, offering valuable insights into the evolution of UNC-TV’s programming and its impact on North Carolina communities. These archived materials offer a comprehensive look into the evolution of UNC Television from its inception to its modern iteration. Researchers and those interested in the history of public broadcasting can find a treasure trove of information within these extensive records. The archives not only preserve the past but also provide context for understanding the ongoing role of UNC-TV in the state’s media landscape.
Conclusion
UNC Television’s journey from a single station to a statewide network reflects its commitment to public service and educational broadcasting in North Carolina. Through decades of growth and adaptation, UNC-TV has remained a vital resource for the state, offering quality programming and enriching the lives of countless North Carolinians. The network’s history is a testament to the enduring power of public broadcasting and its potential to inform, educate, and connect communities.
