(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – Sept. 3, 2025) –Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is celebrating fifty years of service with a statewide slate of special programming and archival content honoring Louisiana’s rich history, vibrant culture, and extraordinary people. The anniversary festivities kick off on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with an evening of viewer-favorite documentaries and an exclusive first look at LPB’s newest production.
 

Created by the Louisiana Legislature, LPB began broadcasting on September 6, 1975, with a clear mission: to educate, inform, and connect the citizens of Louisiana. From the start, LPB has remained a commercial-free network, dedicated to sharing meaningful stories for both children and adults. What began as a single station has grown into a six-station network serving Baton Rouge, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Alexandria, with full statewide reach though LPB’s sister station, WLAE-TV, in New Orleans.

“Fifty years of telling Louisiana’s stories is a milestone we’re proud to celebrate with our viewers who have supported us every step of the way,” said LPB President & CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland. “We could not have reached this moment without the trust of Louisianans, the generosity of our supporters, and the countless stories that unite us.”

At 6:00 PM on September 6, LPB will air a special rebroadcast of the acclaimed 2010 documentary Forever LSU, leading into LSU’s home football opener against Louisiana Tech. This celebrated program chronicles the university’s remarkable journey—from its founding in Pineville in 1860 to its transformation into a world-class research institution and beloved Louisiana landmark.

“Throughout our anniversary year, LPB will feature new documentaries, specials, and treasured programs from our archives that celebrate Louisiana’s rich history and vibrant culture—while also offering previews of exciting stories yet to come,” said Jason Viso, Director of Programming, Promotion & Digital Strategy.

At 7:00 PM, LPB will present a special uninterrupted four-hour broadcast of Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… Or Any Place Else! Executive Producer Linda Midgett reunites with former Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne to share favorite moments from the making of Why Louisiana, celebrate the launch of LPB’s 50th anniversary year, and debut an exclusive first look at LPB’s upcoming documentary on LSU football legend Billy Cannon. “This exploration of Billy Cannon’s life is just one of the programs we’re excited to bring to viewers over the next year,” said Midgett.

Additional new productions include the recently launched college football series Game Notes, Zydeco Soul, The Colfax Massacre, Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story and the upcoming travel series LA64. “LA64 is our chance to share the beauty, culture, and history of Louisiana, not only with our citizens but with audiences across the nation,” added Midgett.

LPB’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond television. In conjunction with America’s 250 celebration, LPB Education is creating Louisiana’sHidden History: How Spanish Louisiana Helped Secure America’s Freedom, a digital series of curriculum-aligned resources that will debut on PBS LearningMedia in 2026. “Louisiana played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and this project ensures teachers, parents, and students everywhere will have the opportunity to learn about it,” said Nancy Tooraen, LPB Education Services Director.
 

“Fifty years is a remarkable milestone,” Copeland added. “We are deeply grateful for the journey we’ve shared with Louisiana and look forward to another fifty years of educating, inspiring, and connecting our state.”
 

For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Promotions Manager, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225)-767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.
 

About Louisiana Public Broadcasting: Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) has served as the statewide public television network for Louisiana, with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport as well as our affiliation with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to producing award-winning documentaries that celebrate the history, culture, and people of Louisiana, LPB is committed to educational service. Through a wide range of outreach programs, LPB helps children across the state build essential literacy, math, and science skills, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom.