Instructional Television History
The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees in spring 1969 established an Instructional Television Department at 1715 Houston Street. In 1970, the Superintendent asked the Federal Programs Coordinator to assist the fledgling program with studio teachers, some supplies, and funding and assistance with equipment needs.
The modest ITV facility emerged from monochrome (black and white) production transmission capability to full color in 1976-77. Television receivers for Learning Media Centers and classrooms purchased since that date have been color rather than black and white. Each elementary campus has been equipping its classrooms and LMC’s with the latest state-of-the art TV receivers and VHS recorders.
In November 1987, ITV moved its offices and studio to its present location at 1719 Houston Street where staff transmit and produce instructional programming for the district’s 30 schools and surrounding community.The ITV studio, located in Laredo’s historic downtown district, is now a state of the art television facility equipped with the lasted broadcasting and production equipment. The studio is outfitted with a professional lighting system, distinctive studio sets, Sony broadcast studio cameras, wireless microphone systems, high definition monitors in addition to other modern production equipment . The control room features a non-linear editing suite linked to a 24 channel audio mixing console along with all digital recording/production capabilities. ITV operates four NLE Avid editing suites which are used to produce award winning instructional programs. ITV also has the capability of going LIVE for breaking news or instructional shows as well as broadcasting School Board Meetings. ITV is operated by a highly talented and experienced staff of video production professionals and certified teachers.
