KEDT’s new studios are ready for a public presentation. Public tours, a ribbon cutting and a tribute concert are all planned for early April. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
KEDT is ready to open its new doors to the public after finally settling into its new home at Del Mar College.
Light, space for live performers, room for student observers. Those are just a few of the many amenities now available to the public radio and television stations of the Coastal Bend after 40 years in a business park suite.
The station moved into its new $4.8 million digs at South Staples and Kostoryz streets last fall and has now announced a week of public events to celebrate the move.
Conducted by the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, a ribbon cutting is 5:30 p.m. April 6.
A free family day is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, featuring studio tours, live music and activities for the kids. Family day is followed by an evening of music on the plaza in a tribute concert to broadcaster Chris Ortiz, who died in February at the age of 59. Ortiz was host of “Latin Dance Party” and “Musica Suave” on KEDT-FM radio. Party on the Plaza is 5:30-9 p.m.
Public tours will also be available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 4-7.
Both the college and the studio benefit from combining resources and equipment to provide local public broadcasting and space for hands-on education in communication. In fact, the new studio should save KEDT about $246,000 in annual operation costs, an important consideration for an entity that depends on public donations to survive.
Although KEDT accepts donations any time of the year, the station is currently raising money to match a $100,000 donation from philanthropist Gene Bouligny. Deadline is April 6 to match that amount in individual gifts from listeners. As of late March, $78,000 had been raised.
To contribute to KEDT, visit the station’s website at kedt.org or call (361) 855-2213.
WHEN YOU GO
WHAT: KEDT grand opening
WHEN: Ribbon cutting 5:30 p.m. April 6; Family Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 9; Chris Ortiz tribute concert (Party on the Plaza) 5:30-9 p.m. April 9.
WHERE: 3205 S. Staples St.
COST: Free
INFORMATION: kedt.org or (361) 855-2213
