KERA News was founded in 1960 as an educational television station by a group of Dallas civic leaders and educators, including E.O. Cartwright and Ralph Tease. Their vision was to create a public broadcasting service that would provide educational and cultural programming to the North Texas region. The station expanded into radio broadcasting in 1974, further enhancing its ability to serve the community with news and information. Today, KERA is owned and operated by North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to public media in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Based in Dallas, Texas, KERA News covers a wide range of topics relevant to North Texas and beyond. The station's website features reporting on local and state politics, education, arts and culture, science and technology, and community events. KERA News also provides coverage of national and international news that impacts its listeners. The station has become known for its in-depth reporting on issues affecting the diverse communities of North Texas, including immigration, urban development, and environmental concerns. KERA's programming includes a mix of locally produced content and popular NPR shows, offering listeners a comprehensive blend of news, analysis, and cultural programming. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of KERA is its role in the creation of one of public television's most beloved children's programs. In 1969, KERA produced the pilot episode of “Sesame Street,“ which was then picked up for national distribution by PBS. This early involvement in what would become a groundbreaking educational series demonstrates KERA's long-standing commitment to innovative, quality programming and its significant impact on public broadcasting beyond its local market.