The Friends of University Network Television (FOUNT) was incorporated on 2 March 1975 as a nonprofit corporation to improve communication between the University of North Carolina Television Network and the citizens of North Carolina. The goal was to increase popular awareness of and support for public television. FOUNT's funding came from membership dues, contributions, and grants from North Carolina charitable foundations. Its activities focussed on creation of local chapters, distribution of program preference ballots, publication of program listings and newsletters, and production of telethons.
In 1979 the North Carolina General Assembly voted to create a new public television entity governed by its own Board of Trustees. The University of North Carolina Television Network evolved into the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television with John W. Dunlop as director. Gradually, the center assumed the functions of FOUNT, and on 3 October 1981 FOUNT was dissolved.
From the guide to the Friends of University Network Television Records, 1972-1982, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. University Archives.)
