Harding University's HU16 1.0

Harding University’s television station, HU16, commenced its inaugural broadcast on September 26, 1983, initially operating as TV12 within the White County Cable system in Searcy, Arkansas. The original programming slate featured a modest 12 hours per week, which included a live 20-minute newscast airing at 6:30 PM on weeknights, alongside five original student-produced shows each week. Each evening's broadcast concluded with a brief devotional segment before the station signed off for the night.

At the outset, the station's studio was situated behind the Ezell Center, while master control functions were managed from the Administration Building. The Department of Communication was then located in the Ganus Building, emphasizing a close-knit campus collaboration in developing programming that engaged both students and the local community.