Overview

WNET, commonly branded as THIRTEEN and identified on-air as channel 13, is a non-commercial educational public television station licensed to Newark, New Jersey. It serves the New York metropolitan area and operates as a major member station of the public broadcasting system. Owned and governed by WNET.org — originally formed as the Educational Broadcasting Corporation — the station combines local broadcasting with production of programs distributed nationally to public-media outlets.

Facilities and technical footprint

WNET maintains production and broadcast facilities in New York City with studios in Manhattan and technical infrastructure that includes a transmitter located at One World Trade Center. The station’s broadcast signal and digital platforms reach a large, diverse audience across multiple counties, and it operates both a primary television service and additional digital subchannels and online resources to deliver children’s, instructional and cultural content.

History and governance

WNET’s corporate parent, WNET.org, traces its origins to an educational broadcasting mission and has evolved into a nonprofit public media organization. Over time the station has shifted from exclusively local broadcasting toward a dual role as both a local service and a producer of programs for national distribution. Governance typically reflects nonprofit structures common to public media, with boards, fundraising activities and community partnerships supporting its mission.

Programming and services

As a public television station, WNET focuses on programming that emphasizes education, the arts, science, history and public affairs. Its output includes locally produced shows, documentaries, community-oriented series and programs created for national audiences. In addition to on-air content, the station supports educational outreach, digital learning tools and special events aimed at audiences of all ages.

Community role and funding

WNET operates as a non-commercial entity: it funds operations through memberships, philanthropy, grants, foundation support and corporate underwriting rather than traditional commercial advertising. The station engages in community outreach and partnerships with cultural and educational institutions to extend the impact of its programming and to serve civic and classroom needs.

Distinctive aspects

  • Branded identity as THIRTEEN and longstanding presence in the New York media landscape (public television station).
  • Combination of local service with national program production and distribution.
  • Multiple platforms: broadcast, digital subchannels and online educational content.

For general information about the station’s schedule, outreach programs and production initiatives, consult the station’s official communications and service pages or contact its public information office.