MPB signed on the air with its first broadcast on February 1, 1970, and quickly became a leader in the use of television for distance learning. Since then MPB has maintained its educational focus and expanded its programming to offer programs that both entertain and enrich the lives of viewers. MPB television now covers the entire state of Mississippi, reaching more than 2.2 million households.

MPB is Mississippi's premiere public broadcasting station, featuring national programming from PBS, including PBS KIDS, Masterpiece, Nature, and NOVA, as well as documentaries, news programming, and local programming produced in Mississippi.