Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Howard University added another landmark achievement to its distinguished legacy the launch of WHMM-TV, now known as WHUT, The Capstone Station with its first on-air episode on November 17, 1980.
What was once only a dream became a matter of record as WHMM officially went on the air, marking the realization of years of dedication, planning, and community vision. This milestone made Howard University the first traditionally Black college or university to own and operate a public or commercial television station, and one of only a few minority-owned public broadcasting facilities in the nation.
Partnering alongside its sister station, WHUR-FM, WHMM set out to share with the public the educational, cultural, and creative offerings of what would become one of the most exciting broadcast operations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
This archival footage captures the beginning of a new chapter in public media where innovation, excellence, and representation came together on air for the very first time.
Official website: whut.org
Made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station: donate.whut.org/whut/donate
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite shows anytime, anywhere at:
video.whut.org
FOLLOW WHUT:
Facebook: facebook.com/WHUTTV
Instagram: instagram.com/whuttv
WHUT is the nation’s only Public Broadcasting Television station licensed to be owned and operated by a historically Black University.
Subscribe now and embark on a journey of discovery with WHUT!
Brought to you by #WHUTtv - Howard University Television
Howard University added another landmark achievement to its distinguished legacy the launch of WHMM-TV, now known as WHUT, The Capstone Station with its first on-air episode on November 17, 1980.
What was once only a dream became a matter of record as WHMM officially went on the air, marking the realization of years of dedication, planning, and community vision. This milestone made Howard University the first traditionally Black college or university to own and operate a public or commercial television station, and one of only a few minority-owned public broadcasting facilities in the nation.
Partnering alongside its sister station, WHUR-FM, WHMM set out to share with the public the educational, cultural, and creative offerings of what would become one of the most exciting broadcast operations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
This archival footage captures the beginning of a new chapter in public media where innovation, excellence, and representation came together on air for the very first time.
Official website: whut.org
Made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station: donate.whut.org/whut/donate
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite shows anytime, anywhere at:
video.whut.org
FOLLOW WHUT:
Facebook: facebook.com/WHUTTV
Instagram: instagram.com/whuttv
WHUT is the nation’s only Public Broadcasting Television station licensed to be owned and operated by a historically Black University.
Subscribe now and embark on a journey of discovery with WHUT!
Brought to you by #WHUTtv - Howard University Television
