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KCET 50th Anniversary

Times have changed, and the world has changed since we first went on the air on September 28, 1964. But our commitment to providing high quality educational and cultural programming on-air, online, and in the community is unwavering. Through the years, we have played an important role in the lives of many generations of Californians, as a source of information, learning, enlightenment, and inspiration. Join us as we reflect on our past milestones and accomplishments, while we usher in the future, inspiring a better state for all Californians.

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KCET Day One Schedule
September 1964 - KCET Signs on the Air
At 11:15 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 1964, KCET, on the UHF frequency channel 28, first signed on the air at L.A.'s ninth television station.
Construction of the Los Angeles Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in 1962
September 1964 - Music Center Opens in Downtown L.A.
On September 27, 1964, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the first phase of L.A. County's new Music Center complex, was dedicated as the new home of the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra.
FCC Permission to Broadcast Telegram
April 1962 - Community Television of Southern California Incorporated
On April 10, 1962, Community Television of Southern California was incorporated with the purpose of developing, financing, and operating a non-commercial educational TV station in L.A.
Hollywood Sign
November 1978 - Hollywood Sign Restored
In November 1978, the Hollywood Sign, L.A.'s most recognizable landmark, was re-dedicated, completing a major restoration program following years of neglect.
Los Angeles City Historic Cultural Monument plaque placed at KCET's Sunset Blvd studios
September 1978 - KCET's Sunset Blvd Studios Declared L.A. Historic-Cultural Landmark; New Offices Built
In September 1978, KCET's historic studio lot, used continuously since 1912 for motion picture and TV production, was designated as an L.A. City Historic-Cultural Monument.
Howard Jarvis, chief author of Prop. 13, speaking to crowd after California Proposition 13 victory, 1978
June 1978 - California Voters Pass Proposition 13
On June 6, 1978, California voters passed Proposition 13, a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to lower property taxes in the state and place limitations on the increase or implementation of new taxes.
Cousteau's Diving Saucer
November 1977 - Jacques Cousteau's 'The Cousteau Odyssey' Airs
On November 22, 1977, the First episode of KCET's "The Cousteau Odyssey" documentary series premiered, which chronicled the underwater explorations of Jacques Cousteau and the crew of his exploring ship, the Calypso.
Bubbling Tar
April 1977 - George C. Page Museum Opens at La Brea Tar Pits
In April 1977, the George C. Page Museum opened in Hancock Park, giving the public an up-close opportunity to see the area's Ice Age fossils excavated from the nearby La Brea Tar Pits.
Meeting of the Minds
January 1977 - Steve Allen's 'Meeting of Minds' Premieres
The educational history talk show "Meeting Of Minds," featuring actors portraying a roundtable discussion of historical figures moderated by Steve Allen, debuted in January 1977.
Clete Roberts
August 1976 - News Magazine Program '28 Tonight,' Hosted by Clete Roberts, Debuts
In August 1976, the award-winning weeknightly news magazine program "28 Tonight" premiered, hosted by Los Angeles TV news veteran Clete Roberts.
Mayor Tom Bradley
May 1973 - Tom Bradley Elected L.A. Mayor; 1st Black Mayor of a Major U.S. City
On May 29. 1973, City Councilman Tom Bradley defeated incumbent Sam Yorty to become the first L.A. Mayor of African American ancestry, as well as the first black mayor of a major U.S. city.
Thandeka (formerly known as Sue Booker)
February 1972 - 'Doin' It,' 1st KCET Program on African American Community, Debuts
In March 1972, KCET premiered "Doin' It," its first public affairs series on L.A.'s African American community.
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