Diane Tilstra

KBTC Public Television

KBTC-TV is a public television station in Tacoma, Washington, affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). It broadcasts on digital channel 27, and Comcast cable channel 12. Its offices and broadcasting center are located on the campus of Bates Technical College. The property was purchased from KSTW when that station moved to Renton in 2001. KBTC simulcast as KCKA analog channel 15 which signed on the air October 2, 1982 and digital channel 19 in Centralia. In addition to reaching a local over-the-air audience, KBTC is transmitted to Comcast Cable viewers in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and many areas of southwest Washington. The station originally signed on the air September 25, 1961 as KTPS-TV and licensed to Tacoma School District No. 10, owned by the Tacoma Public Schools. Previous to that time, KTPS had operated on Channel 62. Bates took over the license in 1992 and changed the call letters to KBTC on October 12, 1992. KBTC Public Television serves as a vital source of common cultural, intellectual and educational experiences for viewers in Western Washington. Every week over 385,000 households tune in for programming that allows viewers to experience history more fully, learn a new quilting technique, delight in learning with their children or just enjoy a program they wouldn't find anywhere else - without the interruption of commercials. KBTC literally provides the opportunity to "Explore Your World" from the comfort of your living room. KBTC connects with area non-profit organizations by telling local stories that engage, inform and inspire the community. Over half of KBTC's funding comes from viewers who support local public television through generous donations.