In a significant victory for public broadcasting in Arkansas, the Arkansas Educational Television Commission has voted unanimously to maintain its affiliation with PBS. This decision comes after a successful fundraising campaign that raised more than $2 million, covering the network’s required PBS membership dues.
Community Effort Saves PBS Programming
The campaign, spearheaded by former Arkansas First Ladies Barbara Pryor and Gay White, rallied support from across the state. Contributions poured in from major donors, foundations, and over 1,500 households, representing all 75 counties in Arkansas. Notable contributions from the Tyson, Walton, and Schueck family foundations were instrumental in jumpstarting the effort.
Pryor, the widow of former Democratic Gov. David Pryor, and White, the widow of former Republican Gov. Frank White, emphasized the importance of PBS for rural families and those unable to afford multiple streaming services. “Not everybody can go online. Not everybody has five dollars to join another network,” Pryor noted, highlighting PBS’s role as a vital resource for educational and cultural programming.
Ensuring Future Stability
The fundraising campaign not only met its immediate goal but also secured commitments for continued funding over the next two years, providing stability for Arkansas PBS. This ensures that popular programs like PBS NewsHour, Masterpiece, and children’s educational content will remain accessible to Arkansans through at least 2027.
Commissioners also formally authorized the acceptance of foundation funds specifically allocated for PBS dues, solidifying the network’s financial footing. Arkansas TV Commission CEO Carlton Wing expressed pride in the community’s effort, stating, “We’re here to serve the people of Arkansas, and I’m proud to say that I think we’ve done that.”
This successful campaign underscores the power of community action and the value placed on public broadcasting by Arkansans, ensuring that PBS remains a staple in households across the state.
Original reporting: 5NEWS / KFSM (Fort Smith) — read the source article.
