UNC-TV headquarters and broadcasting tower in Research Triangle Park.
About
University of North Carolina Center for Public Media, more commonly known as UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina, is North Carolina’s only statewide public media network. It provides all 100 counties with four full-time broadcast channels:
- UNC-TV PBS & More
- North Carolina Channel
- Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS Channel
- Explorer Channel
UNC-TV, broadcasting over-the-air on 12 stations and its digital content, is funded through a partnership of public investment and private support.
Channels
UNC-TV |
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The flagship UNC-TV channel offers viewers a variety of British dramas and comedies, the latest in science and technology, documentaries and indie films, music and performance specials, children's programs and local stories. Programs include Masterpiece, FRONTLINE, NOVA, Independent Lens and POV. |
North Carolina Channel |
| The North Carolina Channel focuses on civic affairs, issues, entertainment and educational programs relevant to North Carolina. The North Carolina Channel showcases North Carolina-based independent producers. Programs include North Carolina Bookwatch, Black Issues Forum, Carolina Outdoor Journal, Echo Sessions, First in Future, Front Row with Marc Rotterman and Growing a Greener World. |
Rootle |
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Rootle, the PBS KIDS Channel, offers educational content and entertainment for children ages two to eight, including programs as Sesame Street, The Cat in the Hat, Daniel Tiger, Splash and Bubbles, Nature Cat, Dinosaur Train, Wild Kratts and Thomas & Friends. |
The Explorer Channel |
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The Explorer Channel offers travel, culture, science, nature, history and outdoor adventure programming. Whether it’s taking a closer look at Egypt’s pyramids, touring Europe or immersing in the latest British mystery series, The Explorer Channel showcases a variety of cultural experiences. Programs include Rick Steves’ travel shows, Patti’s Mexican Table, Joseph Rosendo's Travelscope and Globe Trekker. |
Original Series
UNC-TV produces original series content. Examples include:
Black Issues Forum |
| Black Issues Forum presents a diverse panel of guests who discuss such topics as politics, social concerns, health, education, justice, entertainment, technology and public policy. |
Carolina Outdoor Journal |
| This outdoor series travels our state—from the mountains to the coast—fishing, hunting and exploring the vast natural beauty. |
Exploring North Carolina |
| Tom Earnhardt hosts this series highlighting the state’s landscapes and natural features. |
Front Row with Marc Rotterman |
| National media strategist Marc Rotterman discusses policy and politics at the state and national level. |
My Home NC |
| Host Heather Burgiss highlights voices in hometowns across North Carolina. Episodes focus on the culture of communities through interesting people, food, music and places. |
North Carolina Bookwatch |
| Tar Heel and Southern writers visit with host D.G. Martin to talk about their latest books, their lives and their inspirations. |
North Carolina Weekend |
| Deborah Holt hosts the state's primary source for weekend activities including nature, culture, sports and more. |
SciTech Now North Carolina |
| Hosted by Frank Graff, SciTech Now North Carolina highlights the latest science stories, interviews with leading scientists, science demonstrations and viewer interactions. |
Song of the Mountains |
| Song of the Mountains features the music of the Southern Appalachians recorded live at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia. |
History
UNC-TV’s original station, WUNC-TV, Channel 4 in Chapel Hill, signed on the air January 8, 1955. It was North Carolina’s first educational station. Initially, the WUNC-TV operated in three different UNC locations—Greensboro, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. They fed programs to the transmitter and tower, located on Terrell’s Mountain in Chatham County. In 1989, the opening of the Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Communications Center in Research Triangle Park enabled the network’s studio operations to be centralized in one location.
Over the years, 11 more stations were added to the network, enabling UNC-TV to provide access to its four channels to all North Carolina's 100 counties.
UNC-TV signal coverage across the state comes from 12 stations.
Location
UNC-TV’s headquarters is located in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in the Raleigh-Durham region of the state.
