"This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise, it is merely lights and wires in a box."

- Edward R. Murrow

Edward R. Murrow's eloquent statement sets forth the mission and goal of Public Broadcasting. The power of radio and television to serve as an educational, informational, and entertainment resource can be an important cultural asset to every community it serves.

South Texas Public Broadcasting System Inc. was organized in 1972 by a group of community-minded citizens who worked to bring KEDT-TV, Channel 16 to the Coastal Bend as a reflection of the cultural heritage of its citizens. Ten years later, through a desire to offer quality music programming and to fill a listener void, KEDT-FM 90.3 began broadcasting.

For the first time, South Texans received television programs such as Sesame Street, NOVA, and Masterpiece Theatre. In 1982, KEDT-FM began broadcasting as the National Public Radio station for Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities. Offering Morning Edition, All Things Considered, classical music and jazz, KEDT-FM fulfilled a unique niche in radio programming. Then in 1993, KVRT-FM was added to bring public radio to the Victoria area.

As Public Broadcast stations, KEDT-TV and KEDT/KVRT FM's mission statement reads as follows: