WQED was the nation’s first community-supported educational television station and an experiment that was not guaranteed to succeed.

But succeed it did, in ways that were unimaginable in 1954.

“WQED’s modest introduction to the people of Pittsburgh that evening was a new idea – an experimental station free from commercial influence,” said Deborah L. Acklin, President and CEO of WQED.

“No one could have predicted the WQED of 2019. Today, WQED is woven into the fabric of Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. Generations of people and millions of children have been entertained and educated through the unsurpassed quality programming and educational initiatives. WQED provides it all for free to every household in the viewing area. In celebration of our 65th year, we want to give back and use our platform to celebrate the kindness that this community has shown to WQED.”

A year-long celebration is planned based on the mission and principles of WQED that have become a part of Pittsburgh. Throughout the year, WQED invites the community to share acts of kindness that will inspire others and reflect on what makes Pittsburgh one of the most livable cities.