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For more than 30 years, John Kiesewetter has been the source for information about all things in local media — comings and goings, local people appearing on the big or small screen, special programs, and much more. Contact John at johnkiese@yahoo.com.

WCET-TV Awarded License No. 1 In 1955

91.7 WVXU | By John Kiesewetter

Published March 11, 2016 at 8:30 AM EST

Eight months after WCET-TV debuted in July 1954, the FCC license finally arrived on this date in TV Kiese history, March 11, 1955.

The Federal Communications Commission issued License No 1, for the nation’s first “Non-Commercial Educational Television Broadcast Station,” to the Greater Cincinnati Television Education Foundation.

An early educational TV show on Channel 48.

At first, up to 90 percent of the new “educational TV” operation came from schools.

After Cincinnati Public Schools withdrew funding in 1966, the station supporters struggled to keep it afloat and created the “Action Auction” in 1968.

Folks at CET are busy preparing for the 49^th Auction April 26-30, and could use help from donors, sponsors or volunteers at this link.

You can also support WCET-TV’s March membership drive by contributing during these pledge specials:

Friday March 11

“Joe Bonamassa: Muddy Wolf at Red Rock” (9 p.m., Channel 48). Blues tribute with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.

“Salute to Vienna” (8 p.m., CET Arts, Channel 48.3): Frederica von Stade hosts a music and dance gala from the historic Konzerthaus in Vienna.

Saturday, March 12

“My Music: Motown 25” (9 p.m., Channel 48): Motown 25^th anniversary concert in 1983 with Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, a Jackson 5 reunion and Michael Jackson singing “Billie Jean.”

“Josh Groban: Stages Live” (8 p.m., CET Arts, Channel 48.3): The world-renowned performer explores classic songs from the Broadway songbook.

Sunday, March 13

“John Denver: Country Boy” (6 p.m., Channel 48): Tribute to singer John Denver.

“Carpenters: Close to You (7:30 p.m., Channel 48): A look at Karen and Richard Carpenter’s greatest hits.

Monday, March 14

“Tribute to Downton Abbey” (8 p.m., Channel 48): Highlights from the six seasons of "Downton Abbey" with hosts Alice Ferris and Ken Verdoia.

Tuesday, March 15

“This Land Is Your Land” (8 p.m., Channel 48): The Smothers Brothers and Judy Collins host a look at the evolution of modern American folk music.

“Tenors: Under One Sky” (8 p.m., CET Arts, Channel 48.3): The Tenors showcase their harmonies with original compositions and pop songs.

“Josh Groban: Stages Live” (9:30 p.m., Channel 48): The world-renowned performer explores classic songs from the Broadway songbook.

Wednesday, March 16

“Joe Bonamassa: Muddy Wolf at Red Rock” (8 p.m., Channel 48). Blues tribute with Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.

Thursday, March 17

“Potomac by Air: Our Nation’s River” (8 p.m., Channel 48): America’s history is explored with an aerial trip along the striking curves of the Potomac River.