Arkansas PBS becomes Arkansas TV
Arkansas PBS will no longer exist in its current form. The state’s only public network has become Arkansas TV. The loss of $2.5 million in annual federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) presented financial challenges that could not be overcome.
“A careful and considerate organization-wide review of operations, partnerships and sustainability revealed that annual PBS membership dues of nearly $2.5 million was simply not feasible for the network or our Foundation,” according to the network. “In the interest of creating a sustainable model for public television in Arkansas, the Arkansas Educational Television Commission voted today to disaffiliate from PBS effective July 1, 2026.”
The network will continue to air Arkansas-centric programming.
“Arkansas TV is our promise that visual storytelling – centered on the people, places and experiences of our state – remains at the core of everything we do,” Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing said. “As we embrace our new identity as Arkansas TV, we are also making strategic decisions to ensure a sustainable model for public television in Arkansas and our ability to serve Arkansans for generations to come.”
Several new productions are in development. A new lineup is coming in 2026 and will feature two children’s series, two food-related series, two history series and several others that are in the initial phases of development and fundraising.
“Public television in Arkansas is not going away,” Wing said. “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. We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support that donors, viewers and community partners have shown since this funding loss. We are confident that we can secure ongoing and increased support from individual donors, foundation partners and corporate sponsors who see the value in investing in new local programming that serves our state.”
Through June 30, 2026, viewers can expect little to no change to the broadcast programming lineup. Beginning July 1, 2026, the network will deliver several new local shows, as well as favorites from the last 60 years.
After July 1, 2026, there will remain a number of ways that PBS content can continue to be accessed. For more information, visit myarpbs.org/ArkansasTV.
Talk Business & Politics will update this story later today.