Kentucky Educational Television (KET) stands as the dominant public broadcaster in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and a significant force in educational broadcasting nationwide. As the largest PBS state network in the United States, KET's broadcast signals reach almost all of Kentucky, extending into parts of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This article delves into the history, development, and impact of KET, with a particular focus on its contributions to adult education in Kentucky.
The Genesis of KET
The concept of a statewide educational broadcaster in Kentucky was first envisioned in 1959 by O. Leonard Press, then the director of the radio department at the University of Kentucky (UK). Press proposed a network that would include studios at the university, interconnection with other universities, and a transmitter system to deliver educational programs to schools. In 1962, the Kentucky Authority for Educational Television was established, with Press as its founding director, a position he held for three decades.
Broadcasting officially commenced on September 23, 1968, marking the beginning of KET's journey as a prominent entity in educational, cultural, and public affairs broadcasting within the state. Over the years, KET's educational programs, particularly in distance learning and adult education, garnered national attention.
Early Challenges and Triumphs
Despite early interest in educational television, Kentucky initially lagged behind other states. In 1953, an educational figure in Louisville expressed concern that Kentucky might fall behind states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the development of educational television. While Jefferson County initiated efforts to establish WFPK-TV (now WKPC-TV) in 1957, the impetus for KET emerged with O. Leonard Press's proposal in 1959.
An important step forward occurred in August 1961 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) agreed to designate 10 new UHF television channels in the state for non-commercial educational use. The plan gained the support of Governor Bert T. Combs. However, a setback occurred in 1964 when the General Assembly declined to fund the construction of transmitters, prioritizing other state needs such as issues in Jefferson County, low teacher pay, and transportation problems.
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Despite this setback, planning activities continued, and by 1965, the Elizabethtown transmitter had been added to the proposed network. In 1966, the General Assembly budget finally included the necessary funds to begin building KET, with a $359,000 appropriation. Additional support came from the Stuart Blazer Foundation, established by Ashland Oil founder Paul G. Blazer.
By May 1968, work on the Lexington and Somerset transmitters was completed, and KET announced its initial array of 19 in-school programs, primarily for elementary school students. However, site problems delayed work in Covington.
KET officially began broadcasting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m. Central Time) on September 23, 1968. The first broadcast started with Governor Louie B. Nunn presiding over the dedication ceremony. The Hazard, Murray, and Pikeville transmitters were delayed due to weather and were not ready for the network's launch. Murray went into service on October 7, and the Hazard and Pikeville transmitters went on the air near the end of the year.
Expansion and Maturation
After completing the initial twelve-transmitter network, three more stations were added between 1970 and 1980. During the 1970s, KET matured in programming and structure, increasing public affairs and other programs without detracting from its educational mission. By 1977, 75 percent of Kentucky schools used KET programming, primarily in elementary classes, including 99.3 percent of the state's special needs students.
KET produced a GED adult education series that was sold to stations in 25 states and the Department of Defense. This nationally recognized GED program has remained a crucial part of KET's offerings through several iterations.
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Budget Challenges and Expansion Efforts in the 1980s
The early 1980s brought budget cuts for many public broadcasters, including KET. However, the network was partially insulated by federal construction credits from new facilities in Paducah and Owensboro, which offset most of the state's budget cuts in 1980 and 1981.
Despite these challenges, O. Leonard Press continued to push for ambitious expansion. In 1981, KET began broadcasting on Lexington's new cable system with adult education programs and replays of KET programming. To broaden access in Lexington and statewide via translators, KET applied for the then-open commercial channel 62 in the area. However, after three commercial groups also sought the channel, KET withdrew its proposal in June 1982.
Press was determined to resist commercializing inroads, emphasizing that KET was an educational institution using television as its means of reaching its audience, with education as its primary business, not broadcasting. Later in the decade, Press proposed that KET begin satellite delivery of its in-school programming directly to schools, a system that began to take shape in 1988 under the name KET Star Channels.
Leadership Transition and Continued Growth
O. Leonard Press retired from KET on June 30, 1992. He was succeeded by Virginia Gaines Fox, whom Press had hired at KET's launch in 1968. By the time of his retirement, Press had been honored as national public television manager of the year and had served as chair of the National Association of Educational Broadcasters and the PBS board of directors, as well as vice chair of the National Association of Public Television Stations.
In October 1992, KET opened a 67,000-square-foot expansion of its Lexington facility, dedicated as the O. Leonard Press Telecommunications Center.
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Acquisition of WKPC-TV and Digital Transition
Since opening WKMJ-TV in 1970, KET had competed with Louisville's WKPC-TV for viewers and supporters in that market. In December 1996, an agreement was reached between WKPC-TV and the Kentucky Authority for Educational Television, through which KET acquired certain technical assets, including the land on which their shared transmission tower in New Albany, Indiana, sat, and the license.
On July 1, 1997, KET's main programming moved to WKPC-TV. Simultaneously, WKMJ-TV suspended operations for a transmitter overhaul, returning a month later at increased power, carrying a new service called KET2. This service was designed with the Louisville metropolitan area in mind and initially featured additional children's programs, adult education programming, and local productions. KET2 was also available on cable systems statewide, replacing the former KET Etc.
KET became the first Kentucky television station to begin digital broadcasts, with WKPC-DT in Louisville being activated on August 19, 1999, by Governor Paul E. Patton.
Recent Developments and Challenges
Virginia Gaines Fox retired at the end of 2002, having led KET through its digital television deployment and increased private support for the broadcaster. KET's distance learning offerings transitioned to online-only delivery before being discontinued in 2018 after 30 years due to state budget cuts in Kentucky.
In fiscal year 2022-23, KET raised $32.5 million in operating revenue, with 52% represented by $16.8 million in funding from the Kentucky state government.
KET's Programming and Contributions to Kentucky Culture
KET has produced a variety of programs covering diverse aspects of Kentucky culture. In 1985, KET began airing Kentucky Afield, an outdoors show produced by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
While most of KET's educational content is now delivered outside of television, its production continues. The network was one of the first PBS LearningMedia partners when the service was created in its present form in 2011. KET content on PBS LearningMedia generated 3.5 million views, more than half from outside of Kentucky, in KET's 2020-21 fiscal year.
KET also organizes political debates. Its first gubernatorial debate took place in 1975 and was moderated by Al Smith. In each gubernatorial election year from 1979 through 1995, KET organized and broadcast two gubernatorial debates; in 1999, incumbent governor Paul E. Patton participated in a KET debate.
KET's Technical Infrastructure
KET broadcasts from 16 main transmitters and three low-powered translators on the ultra high frequency (UHF) band. In the Louisville area, KET has two transmitters: WKPC-TV (channel 15) and WKMJ-TV (channel 68), a legacy of when WKPC-TV was a separate station before being bought by KET in 1997. WKMJ-TV converted to ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) operation on September 19, 2022. WCVN-TV in Covington began ATSC 3.0 broadcasts on June 5, 2023, as part of a partnership with Public Media Connect, the public broadcaster serving the Cincinnati area.
KET's Role in Adult Education: GED and Beyond
KET's commitment to adult education is exemplified by its long-standing GED program. The network has developed and distributed GED preparation series to stations across the United States and to the Department of Defense. This initiative has helped countless adults achieve their high school equivalency diplomas, opening doors to further education and employment opportunities.
In partnership with the GED Testing Service®, KET has also created online professional development courses for adult education teachers. These courses provide in-depth information about the GED® mathematics test and offer instructional tips and techniques.
KET's contributions to adult education extend beyond GED preparation. The network has offered a variety of adult education programs on topics such as financial literacy, health and wellness, and workforce development. These programs aim to empower adults with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.