Arkansas drops PBS, citing costs and loss of federal funding

""Public television in Arkansas is not going away," ArkansasTV Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing said in the announcement. "In fact, we invite you to join our vision for an increased focus on local programming, continuing to safeguard Arkansans in times of emergency and supporting our K-12 educators and students.""

""The commission's decision to drop PBS membership is a blow to Arkansans who will lose free, over the air access to quality PBS programming they know and love," a PBS spokesperson said. "It also goes against the will of Arkansas viewers.""

Arkansas public broadcasting will end its PBS membership on July 1, 2026, and rebrand as ArkansasTV. The governing commission voted 6–2 to sever ties, citing the loss of federal funds used to pay approximately $2.5 million in annual PBS dues and framing the move as a cost-saving measure. Commissioners are appointed by the governor. ArkansasTV plans a new lineup focused on local content, including two children's shows, two food shows, and two history series, while maintaining emergency broadcasting and K–12 support. Polling shows 70% of residents view PBS as an excellent value.

Read at Fast Company