Nine PBS Celebrates 70 Years With A Special Visitor From Sesame Street
For seven decades, Nine PBS has been more than just a local television station; it's been a trusted companion, educator, and storyteller for the St. Louis region. This September marks the 70th anniversary of KETC/Channel 9, one of the first public television stations in the country. To celebrate this incredible milestone, Nine PBS is hosting a series of special events and programs designed to thank the community that has supported it so enthusiastically over the years.
A highlight of the festivities will be the special appearance of Sonia Manzano, a beloved PBS pioneer known to millions as "Maria" from Sesame Street. Manzano, who has continued her legacy of children's education and entertainment as the creator of the PBS KIDS program Alma’s Way, will be the featured guest at a series of events on September 21 and 22. Her visit is expected to draw crowds eager to celebrate with the woman who played a key role in shaping public television for nearly five decades.
Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS, reflects on the station's journey.
“In September 1954, KETC/Channel Number 9 went on the air, thanks to the vision, hard work, and generous support of people across St. Louis. The community has supported us enthusiastically ever since—regularly making us the most-watched PBS station in the country. We are honored that Sonia is joining us to celebrate this milestone and the critical role that public media plays in our community.”
The celebration begins with a series of events throughout September, all designed to engage, entertain, and thank St. Louisans. The festivities kick off on Saturday, September 7, with "Storytime in the Commons" and "Be My Neighbor Day." Families can enjoy games, crafts, and storytime with beloved PBS KIDS characters like Alma and Daniel Tiger. Then, on Sunday, September 8, Nine PBS partners with the Saint Louis Art Museum for a free family event featuring art activities, a special screening of Alma's Way, and a chance to meet Alma herself.
Sonia Manzano will make her highly anticipated appearance at the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival in Soulard Park on Saturday, September 21. She will take to the main stage at 11 a.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with fans, ensuring her presence resonates with multiple generations of viewers who grew up watching her on Sesame Street. The celebration culminates on Sunday, September 22, with a Birthday Block Party at the Public Media Commons, featuring live entertainment, tours of the station, a kids' zone, and a special story reading by Manzano.
Reflecting on her participation in the event, Manzano shares, "I am excited to visit St. Louis and help celebrate one of the country’s original public television stations. Public television is critical to helping build and sustain communities, and Nine PBS is well known throughout the PBS system for its innovation and commitment to community engagement."
The community is invited to participate in these celebrations, as Nine PBS thanks "Viewers Like You" for 70 years of support. Whether it's through their four broadcast channels, online platforms, or in-person events, Nine PBS continues to connect St. Louisans through compelling national programs, inspiring local stories, and engaging initiatives.
All events are designed to reflect the station’s ongoing commitment to education, inclusivity, and community engagement. “All of us at Nine PBS are grateful to the generations of St. Louisans who have loved and supported Channel 9 over the past 70 years. We want to celebrate this milestone by thanking the entire St. Louis community,” said Shaw.
For complete details on the celebration events and to register for specific activities, visit ninepbs.org/70.
All photos courtesy of Nine PBS.