Mission Statement:

Television has the power to change lives. Public television has the responsibility to change lives for the better: a child far from urban resources is inspired to become a scientist, a high school dropout earns a GED, a homebound senior remains connected to the world of the arts and culture, the family of an Alzheimer's patient find strength and support. UNC-TV's unique programs and services provide people of all ages with enriching, life-changing television.

Vision Statement:

UNC-TV's digital technology enhances our ability to share knowledge that enriches the mind and creativity that inspires the spirit. We will enable North Carolinians to learn from original content that is distinct, essential, and culturally diverse. We will be a catalyst to effect change and address the critical needs of North Carolinians by uniting with partners to solve educational and social problems. We thereby will make a difference in people's lives and improve the quality of life in our state. The power of these partnerships will create better-informed, better-educated, and more prosperous people. Our unique, easily accessible programs and services will be used and treasured by citizens, educational institutions, public service organizations, and state government for helping them achieve their goals. Our realized vision will demonstrate that through UNC-TV, knowledge translates into economic, social, cultural, and historical value.

Fast Facts About UNC-TV …

• UNC-TV went on the air January 8, 1955, broadcasting as educational television station WUNC-TV in Chapel Hill.

• Today, UNC-TV is an 11-station network licensed to the University of North Carolina that provides statewide public television service. Funding for UNC-TV’s conversion to digital broadcasting technology, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission, resulted from voter passage of the Higher Education Improvement Bond referendum passed by North Carolina voters in November 2000.

• UNC-TV's digital channels can all be received over the air with the proper equipment in the home. In addition, UNC-TV is available through all cable television providers in the state and from direct broadcast satellite providers. Subscribers to Time Warner digital cable, Cox digital cable, Lexcom cable, and Charter digital cable services have access to all UNC-TV digital program services.

• UNC-TV currently provides all 100 counties of North Carolina with three full-time digital program channels:
  • UNC-KD – a children’s service for preschoolers and young school-age children
  • UNC-NC – a service devoted to enriching viewers and informing them about North Carolina
  • UNC-TV – our public television service in high definition
    
    
• UNC-TV was one of the first public television providers of Web-streaming content, with a multitude of original series and programs available at www.unctv.org, as well as through the iTunes store. UNC-TV content is also available on YouTube, and there are UNC-TV pages on Facebook, My Space, and other social networking sites. UNC-TV online video players offer a growing variety of both PBS and UNC-TV original productions. To find out more, please visit the Video On-Demand section of this website.

• North Carolina People with William Friday is UNC-TV’s longest-running program. It went on the air in 1971.

• Some 36% of UNC-TV’s program schedule features commercial-free and educational programming for children. Parents know that UNC-TV provides a safe haven for children.

• The focus on the need for local control of communications media is alive on UNC-TV. In FY2009, UNC-TV produced 426 hours of original local programming, making it a leader in the public television industry.