Happy Birthday, KAMU!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2023. Most of these ways to engage with KAMU are still available — so enjoy!

Happy Birthday, KAMU! The Brazos Valley’s premier public media organization turns 53 this month. On Feb. 15, 1970, KAMU-TV debuted on channel 15. In the years since, we’ve moved to channel 12, added two subchannels and added a radio station, 90.9 KAMU-FM. Now, we’re looking forward to serving our community with at least 53 more years of educational, informative and fun programming.

We thought this would be a good time to remind our viewers and listeners of all the services and options we provide for our community. Whether you’ve been a KAMU fan for decades or you’re new to who we are, we’re sure there’s something we offer that you’ve never checked out.

Watch KAMU-TV (PBS) — even without a television
KAMU Passport — a simple donation for a variety of programs
Create TV — activate your creative side
Listen to 90.9 KAMU-FM — with or without a radio
Enjoy classical music — 24/7
Unlimited access to PBS KIDS — anytime, anywhere
KAMU Kids Corner — where all ages come to have fun
University engagement — for students and the community

Watch KAMU-TV (PBS) — even without a television

Did you know you don’t have to be in front of a TV to watch KAMU? Our 24/7 lineup of nature, science, public affairs, drama and history programs can be watched in several ways. Plus, what other channel can you watch without commercials interrupting your favorite show?

Watch KAMU on traditional TV. You can find us on channel 12.1 with an antenna or on different channel numbers depending on your provider.
Watch our livestream on PBS.org. Every minute of our programming can be livestreamed by anyone in the Brazos Valley with a web browser.
Want to watch on your phone, tablet or smart TV platform? Download the PBS app and find our livestream. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast.
Speaking of the PBS app, it’s not just for livestreaming. Watch 4,000+ PBS and KAMU programs for free, including “MASTERPIECE,” Ken Burns documentaries, “NOVA,” “NATURE,” “FRONTLINE,” “Texas A&M Today” and “The Bookmark.” Create a PBS account to keep track of your favorite shows and episodes.
If you choose to pay for YouTube TV, you can find us there too. Watch our livestream or view hundreds of hours of on-demand programming.
Watch our local programming. Read below for more details on our lineup of community-centered programming.

KAMU Passport — a simple donation for a variety of programs

Join one of the most affordable streaming services by supporting KAMU. By donating $5 a month or $60 a year, you can gain access to over 1,500 select PBS shows. Binge-watch new seasons of popular shows before everyone else or rewatch some of your favorites — from thrilling mysteries to insightful documentaries. Whether you’re on the go or staying in, you can stream KAMU Passport anywhere, at any time, on any device. For more details on how you can create an account, visit our KAMU Passport page.

Create TV — activate your creative side

Tap into your creative side with KAMU’s Create TV. Tune in to channel 12.2 and learn tips for anything from cooking to travel. Create TV is the perfect hub for “how-to” programs and viewers passionate about DIY projects. Follow along with recipes and projects and get better at your at-home projects. For more information, check out our Create TV schedule.

Listen to 90.9 KAMU-FM — with or without a radio

Your commute to work isn’t the only way to listen to the great programming we offer on KAMU-FM. Plus, we’ve increased the variety of programs you’ll hear. Check out our weekly schedule for more details.

Listen in your car or on a home radio. We’re easy to find. Tune to 90.9 FM and enjoy.
Listen to our livestream. All you need is a computer, phone or tablet. Use your favorite web browser to find our Listen Live page. If you have a slower internet connection, use this link instead.
Download the TuneIn app. If you’d rather use an app than a web browser to listen, TuneIn is perfect for your needs. It works on dozens of different devices, including phones, tablets and smart watches.
Listen on a smart speaker. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are happy to find KAMU-FM for you. Say, “Hey, Google, play KAMU on TuneIn,” or “Alexa, play KAMU on TuneIn.”
Enjoy our local programming. Like art? Listen to “The Heart of Art.” Enjoy oldies music? Catch “Easy Sounds of the ’50s and ’60s” with Dave South. And if you’re trying to grow the best garden, listen to horticulture expert Skip Richter on “Garden Success.” Each one of these shows can be enjoyed live, and past episodes of “The Heart of Art” and “Garden Success” can be listened to on demand. Hint: you can also catch “Garden Success” on your favorite podcast platform.

Enjoy classical music — 24/7

We’re home to the Brazos Valley’s only classical music station, and it’s available 24/7. We’ve shared simple instructions — both written and visual — to help you find KAMU-Classical/HD-2.

Listen in your car. Many vehicles can receive HD Radio stations. If yours doesn’t, there are plenty of other ways to listen.
Listen on a portable HD Radio. There are a variety of HD Radio options you can purchase for your home.
Listen to our livestream. All you need is a computer, phone or tablet. Use your favorite web browser to find our Listen Live page, and scroll down to KAMU-Classical/HD-2. If you have a slower internet connection, use this link instead.
Download the TuneIn app. If you’d rather use an app than a web browser to listen, TuneIn is perfect for your needs. It works on dozens of different devices, including phones, tablets and smart watches.
Listen on a smart speaker. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are happy to find KAMU-Classical/HD-2 for you. Say, “Hey, Google, play KAMU-Classical on TuneIn,” or “Alexa, play KAMU-HD-2 on TuneIn.”

Unlimited access to PBS KIDS — anytime, anywhere

PBS KIDS is one of the most beloved and trusted kids’ channels. From iconic shows like “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and “Sesame Street” to new favorites like “Daniel Tiger” and “Wild Kratts,” there are a variety of ways to watch.

Turn to channel 12.3 or Optimum 18. KAMU’s PBS KIDS channel, 12.3, airs your child’s favorite shows 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check out the schedule today.
Tune in online or via a mobile device. PBS KIDS programs are available 24/7 on the PBS KIDS website. You can livestream what we’re airing on TV, or find your favorite programs and watch episodes and clips whenever you’d like.
Download the PBS KIDS Video app. A family-friendly app full of PBS KIDS programming is waiting for you on the App Store or Google Play store. Watch full episodes and clips anytime.

KAMU Kids Corner — where all ages come to have fun

Color with KAMU coloring pages. KAMU has a wide selection of coloring pages from PBS KIDS shows to KAMU original designs. Find your child’s favorite and print it today.
Have fun with PBS KIDS Games. PBS KIDS offers games that create a fun and safe environment for children to explore and play online, with over 250 educational games from their favorite PBS KIDS shows. Play along with characters like Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Arthur and more. Use this link to start the fun!
Explore PBS LearningMedia. Through KAMU, you have access to free K-12 educational resources for students and educators. This information is specifically designed to help enhance the classroom and support effective learning and teaching practices. PBS provides accessible and trusted resources that represent different perspectives and communities.
Expand knowledge with PBS KIDS for Parents. Bring PBS KIDS to your home through learning, cooking, experimenting, crafting and more. PBS KIDS offers a website for parents and guardians that is full of fun ways you can bring your family and loved ones together. Hang out with your children’s favorite characters off-screen — all in the comfort of your home.

University engagement — for students and the community

Serving Texas A&M and the Brazos Valley community is at the heart of our mission, both through livestreams of important A&M events and locally produced programs.

Texas A&M Commencement. Three times a year, KAMU records and streams commencement ceremonies for thousands of people around the world.
Aggie Muster: the most solemn event in Aggieland. Each April, KAMU records and streams the campus Muster ceremony for viewing by Aggies everywhere.
Midnight Yell, live from Kyle Field. The night before each home football game, Aggies pack Kyle Field for a nearly 100-year-old tradition: practicing yells.
“Texas A&M Today,” KAMU’s first foray into dynamic cinematography and creative storytelling. Season 1 saw six episodes featuring 35 stories about some of the best and brightest in Aggieland.
“The Bookmark,” featuring publications from the Texas A&M University Press. Host Christine Brown reviews each publication and interviews its author(s).
“Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp.” Chancellor Sharp travels the state, meeting people who make Texas one-of-a-kind.

Be on the lookout for giveaways on our social media and live radio. Occasionally, we partner with community businesses and give our viewers and listeners a chance to win FREE tickets. Follow us on social media and listen along for your chance to win!