A top Public Broadcasting Service executive said Arkansas’ decision to sever ties with PBS came without warning and raised concerns about its financial and community impact, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
In a letter last week to Arkansas Educational Television Commission Chairman Woody Freeman, PBS senior vice president Susi Elkins said PBS was not told the move was under consideration before the commission’s Dec. 11 vote to disaffiliate effective July 1.
Elkins cited concern about how quickly the decision was made and how little information was shared with commissioners. The vote also included changing the station’s name from Arkansas PBS to Arkansas TV.
The Arkansas station faced losing about $2.5 million annually — roughly 20% of its $13 million budget — because of federal funding cuts, about the same amount it pays in PBS dues.
Elkins said Arkansas TV CEO Carlton Wing indicated discussions could continue, and PBS leaders offered to meet with the commission.
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