Arkansas TV Foundation surpasses $2 million goal
by June 3, 2026 9:32 am 275 views
The Arkansas TV Foundation said Wednesday (June 3) it has surpassed its $2 million fundraising goal in an effort to keep its Public Service Broadcasting (PBS) affiliation.
According to a news release, the final gift to reach the campaign goal was provided by Knight Foundation. Earlier lead gifts by an anonymous Arkansas funder, the Walton Family Foundation, Schueck Family Foundation and Tyson Family Foundation served as catalysts for grassroots fundraising efforts.
PBS affiliation provides statewide access to local, national and international programming, such as Sesame Street.
Earlier this year, Arkansas TV leadership proposed disaffiliating from the national PBS arm, a move later reversed by the board when it decided to pause that decision. Discussions have been held to raise funds privately for the national PBS dues, which the foundation says has now been achieved.
The Arkansas TV board of directors meets later this week to take up the issue again. Originally, the disaffiliation was proposed after Congress cut federal funding to public media.
The foundation said over the last three months, it has secured the full amount of the FY27 PBS Dues, $2,151,449, as well as commitments of more than $1.5 million each towards the cost of PBS Dues in FY28 and FY29.