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KVIE is far more than television. In fact, we don't think of ourselves as being in the business of television. Our business, rather, is really about ideas, learning, arts and culture, and citizenship. Television is simply the means by which we deliver these resources to our community.

As a public service, we profit by improving the community in which we depend for support. We succeed to the extent that our children learn, our viewers become engaged in matters that concern them, and those within our communities join together in a common cause.

History

Looking Back...and Looking Forward
The History and the Future of KVIE Public Television

1952
The FCC reserves channels for educational use.

1955
Central California Educational Television is incorporated, later becoming KVIE, Inc.

1959
A call goes out to the public to help choose the call letters for Channel 6. A man in Sacramento came up with KVIE, pointing out that the "VI" was the Roman numeral for "6" and the "E" for "education." The idea was later emulated by other stations, the closest being KIXE, Channel 9 in Redding.

First continuous broadcast on Channel 6 begins February 23 under the direction of general manager John Crabbe. Channel 6 is the 34th public television licensee in the nation and the 2nd in California. KVIE shares a studio with Channel 13 and its first camera is a loaner from Channel 3.

Ford Foundation education grant enables Channel 6 to provide 12 hours of in-school programming weekly.

1960
KVIE has the country’s largest educational viewing audience: 125 school districts with a total of 34 classroom hours.

1967
President Lyndon Johnson signs Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 and ETV becomes Public Broadcasting.

1968
After nearly 10 years of occupancy, Channel 6 purchases studio building and six surrounding acres on Garden Highway in Sacramento.

1969
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) evolves from Public Broadcasting.

Sesame Street premieres on KVIE November 10.

1970
Channel 6 move its transmitter and antenna to the 1549 foot "tall tower" in Walnut Grove under a lease arrangement with the tower’s owners, channels 3, 10, and 13, improving reception and expanding viewing area.

Art Paul becomes KVIE’s second general manager overseeing a staff of 14.

Channel 6 auction is first locally-produced show on KVIE broadcast in color.

1974
KVIE purchases a state-of-the-art mobile production truck.

1976
Membership exceeds 15,000. Annual budget: $965,000.

1978
Channel 6 begins receiving PBS programs from the network’s new satellite distribution system.

John Hershberger hired as KVIE's third general manager.

1979
Leo Buscaglia tapes the first of several nationally-acclaimed self-help programs.

California Week In Review, a statewide political journal, begins five-year production run.

1981
First computer-controlled editing system installed at KVIE.

1984
February 23: Channel 6 celebrates silver anniversary.

An independent study conducted in March concludes that Channel 6 "is an indispensable community institution throughout Central California."

1985
KVIE Cable 7 is launched with a grant from Sacramento Cable.

1986
Membership at 57,500.

KVIE goes on the air from a new transmission facility, using Channel 40’s 2000’ tower.

"Pledge Free" fundraising drive in August earns $425,000.

1987
Begins broadcast of stereo audio.

Groundbreaking at Capitol Oaks Drive for KVIE’s new studios.

1990
Channel 6 moves to its current home, a new studio/office complex built with funds from the station’s $7.5 million capital campaign.

Covert Bailey’s "Fit or Fat for the ‘90’s" a KVIE production, sweeps the nation as a popular pledge program.

1991
Membership stands at 61,000.

1992
"To Quench A Thirst," hosted by Roger Mudd. A documentary about California water, the show garners three Emmy nominations.

1993
KVIE broadcasts "Home Toxics Quiz," and "Fit or Fat with Covert Bailey" is a PBS series.

1994
Exclusive statewide broadcast of Wilson vs. Brown gubernatorial debate.

1995
Van Gordon Sauter, former President of CBS News, hired as KVIE’s fourth general manager

1996
Premiere seasons for California Heartland, Central Valley Chronicles, and California CapitolWeek.

Membership exceeds 68,000.

1998
Dr. David Hosley becomes KVIE's fifth general manager.

KVIE’s budget: $10,000,000.

Station sets all-time audience record in July and November ratings sweeps.

First non-linear digital editing suite goes on line.

Station applies for construction permit for digital channel 53.

1999
Money Moves with Jack Gallagher becomes the fourth weekly series on KVIE, three of which are shown statewide and the fourth regionally.

Begins using digital video server and begins phasing out videotape.

Studio B becomes fully operational for production.

2002
KVIE is named "Business of the Year" by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) for its efforts in creating programs and outreach that connect the Central Valley's people together.

2003
All public television stations required to have digital service. KVIE goes on the air in June and holds a sign-on celebration June 18 honoring donors to the capital campaign.

Begins multicasting on its new digital TV service with high-definition programming and additional content in standard definition.

2004
KVIE plans completes conversion of studio facility to a full digital system.

2005
America's Heartland series produced by KVIE debuts across the country. Produced in SD widescreen, the series is also aired on the PBS HD channel.

2008
David Lowe becomes KVIE's sixth general manager.

2009
KVIE plans to cease broadcasting on its analog Channel 6 and broadcast all digitally in response to the federal mandate for digital television service.