Initially created to serve the Saci project, for distance learning in schools in the state basic education network, TVU, as it is known, has a rich history.
[1] In the beginning, it was linked to INPE (National Institute for Space Research) and focused almost exclusively on the production of tele-classes and programs for early childhood education.
It also built the first terrestrial TV transmission structure in RN, made up of several towers strategically located in mountains (some still used today by commercial broadcasters), which received UHF and retransmitted the signal to the interior through channel 5.
There, several programs that marked an era in Rio Grande do Norte television were produced, such as Canta Nordeste, RN Notícias and Memória Viva (shown to this day).
Channel 5 remained on the air in the capital in an almost precarious manner, benefiting from the inauguration of Sinred, a system of educational broadcasters, led by TVE from Rio de Janeiro, which maintained unique programming via satellite on the network.
With a reduced team of employees, due to the lack of competitions to fill the roles, it began to rely on the collaboration of students from the UFRN Communication course and on constitution partnerships for the production of programs.
The digital signal launch ceremony also marked the inauguration of the new facilities of the UFRN Social Communication Department, where several authorities and politicians from the state were present.