About WETA

Roosevelt Statue (left). Credit: Elizabeth Grove

WETA Celebrates 50 Years!

WETA 50th Anniversary banner

WETA’s public service began 50 years ago when a group of visionaries led by Washington publisher Willard Kiplinger and former college dean and Arlington School Board Chairman Elizabeth Campbell secured a license from the FCC and launched WETA Channel 26 on October 2, 1961. Since then, WETA has steadily expanded its public service — but its mission remains fundamentally the same. WETA is committed to presenting educational programming for children and to providing opportunities for lifelong learning for all who seek enrichment, inspiration and information.

Enjoy these retrospective features as we celebrate our first fifty years and look forward to a bright future!

Interactive Timeline

Enjoy this step through time charting WETA's history from its founding in the 1950s as an educational television station, the addition of a public radio station, and evolution into a major national producer for PBS.

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WETA's First Broadcast

WETA Channel 26 hit the Washington airwaves on October 2, 1961, when station manager George Baker introduced viewers to WETA's inaugural broadcast, The New Era. The show described the station's origins and its mission to provide viewers with a "window to the world."

Learn more and watch first broadcast »

Our Founder

WETA was founded by public television pioneer and Arlington luminary Elizabeth P. Campbell. She guided WETA for more than 40 years, from a fledgling local station to a multi-media company of national renown. Her vision remains our mission and inspiration today.

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50th Anniversary Photo Montage

Take a look back at WETA's first 50 years with this musical photo montage highlighting some of the top moments and personalities in our history. Thanks to our viewers and listeners for making everything possible!

Watch montage »