Colorado Public Television 12

Since 1980, CPT12 has provided its viewers with worldview programming combined with a community voice. It was founded by a coalition of citizens, activists and media organizers who saw a need for expanded journalism beyond mainstream stations and a single public television station that primarily broadcasted national programs. As one of the first alternative public television stations in the country, CPT12 blazed a trail by serving diverse audiences. In the years that have followed, CPT12 has evolved into the public venue for vigorous community-affairs debate, and giving voice to new artists and under-represented perspectives. CPT12 has a long and vibrant legacy of embracing diverse cultural content including music, dance, fine arts and unique artist expressions. CPT12 addresses social issues and public concerns that are rarely covered in-depth in other media.

CPT12’s programming reflects the diversity of interests and perspectives represented among Coloradans, grounded in community-focused content that brings people together and engages viewers in a common purpose. This connection to the community was strengthened by the station’s move to Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood in 1994 and its subsequent purchase in 2006 of the Five Points Media Center, an anchor in this diverse neighborhood. CPT12 partnered with KUVO to make the Five Points Media Center a destination point for neighborhood residents and visitors. The exterior has an exciting, figurative and contemporary mosaic mural—a highlight on local historian and producer, donnie e. betts’ walking tour of Five Points sponsored by the Colorado Historical Society.

CPT12’s strong and ongoing commitment to the local community, evidenced by its role as an electronic town square for the community and the state, provides a voice to those with limited resources and has resulted in numerous awards, including a 2011 Colorado Broadcaster’s Association “Best Mini Documentary or Series” award for Sandzén: Ecstasy of Color, featuring Swedish-turned-Colorado artist, Birger Sandzén. In 2012, CPT12 received additional honors from the Colorado Broadcasters Association for two creative membership appeal spots. In 2010, the Denver Post lauded Colorado Public Television for its “superior locally-produced election coverage.”

More than 179,000 weekly viewers are attracted to CPT12’s diverse and inclusive on-air and online programming. CPT12 has the most community-focused airtime in the region across three digital channels: (the flagship signal with a mix of local, national and international programming infused with quality PBS shows); (CPT12+, the best of independently-produced documentaries, public affairs, music, travel, cooking and more); and (MHz Worldview, providing international news from five continents and diverse cultural perspectives for a globally-minded audience).