Arkansas’ statewide public television network will sever its longtime partnership with PBS next year after a major loss of federal funding, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
The Arkansas Educational Television Commission voted Thursday to end its PBS affiliation effective July 1, 2026, according to a news release. Network leaders said the decision followed the unexpected loss of $2.5 million in annual support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which made continuing to pay nearly $2.5 million in PBS membership dues financially unsustainable.
The network, now rebranded as Arkansas TV, said the move is part of a broader effort to create a long-term operating model focused on local programming. Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing said Arkansas TV will continue to provide emergency information and K–12 educational support, while expanding state-focused storytelling.
“Public television in Arkansas is not going away,” Wing said in the release. He added that growing donor, foundation, and corporate support will be critical for sustaining new local content.
The network said viewers should expect little to no programming changes through June 30. Beginning July 1, Arkansas TV will debut several new local shows while continuing to offer additional ways to access PBS content.
Image of Arkansas PBS studios by Vic Welky — Encyclopedia of Arkansas
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