Nashville Public Television is proud to announce a name change and rebranding to Nashville PBS, a milestone in the station’s 62-year legacy of serving Middle Tennessee. As a part of this, Nashville PBS partnered with family-owned business Joslin and Son Signs, known for their iconic creations across Nashville, to manufacture a neon sign for the front of the station’s building. The sign is almost 19-feet long and stretches to 30.75 inches at its tallest points – it is also the first time the PBS logo will be illuminated in neon.
A free party and lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the station (161 Rains Ave., Nashville TN 37203). Viewers, public television fans, neighbors and others are invited to celebrate with food and drinks, fun and games, a DJ, face painting, prizes and more. The event is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP at wnpt.org/events.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter as Nashville PBS,” said Becky Magura, president & CEO of Nashville PBS. “This rebrand is not just a change in name; it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to being a vital resource for education, culture, and informed citizenship in our vibrant city.”
The transition to Nashville PBS is intended to align WNPT more closely with PBS, one of America’s most trusted institutions, while honoring Nashville’s unique identity as a city that harmonizes tradition and innovation. “Whatever you call us – WDCN, Channel 8, WNPT, NPT, Nashville Public Television or Nashville PBS – we’ll always be your home for inspiring stories, lifelong learning, and the programs that matter most to our viewers,” Magura said.
What is not changing? Nashville PBS is still producing beloved shows like Tennessee Crossroads and Volunteer Gardener, while expanding them in new ways, including creating more content online, things like behind-the-scenes extras, digital exclusives, and more opportunities to engage with the stories and people.
The station’s call letters will remain WNPT, and the over-the-air channels are still 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4.
“This rebranding comes at a time when the role of public media is more crucial than ever, and we invite you to join us in this exciting new chapter,” said Sarah Teague, chair of Nashville PBS’ board of directors.
Since its inception as WDCN in 1962, and later as NPT, Nashville PBS has been a beacon of trusted information, quality entertainment, and educational programming. The new name reinforces the ongoing mission to provide content that educates, inspires, and uplifts our community.