Arkansas Public Television to End PBS Affiliation in 2026

Arkansas’ statewide public television network will end its affiliation with PBS beginning in July 2026, according to an announcement from the Arkansas Educational Television Commission.

The network, currently known as Arkansas PBS, will also undergo a rebranding and will operate as Arkansas TV once the transition takes place.

Commission officials say the decision was driven by financial challenges, including a $2.5 million reduction in annual federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, along with rising PBS membership fees that leaders say are no longer sustainable.

PBS programming will continue to air on the network through June 30, 2026. After that date, Arkansas TV plans to focus on locally produced content, including children’s programming, food and history shows currently in development, and a selection of classic programs from the past six decades.

Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing emphasized that public television in Arkansas is not going away. He says the network will continue providing emergency alerts, supporting K–12 education, and expanding its locally focused programming while seeking increased support from donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.

Arkansas TV officials say PBS programming will still be accessible to Arkansas viewers through other platforms.

PBS leaders criticized the decision, calling it a loss for Arkansans who will no longer have free, over-the-air access to PBS content. A PBS spokesperson pointed to a recent YouGov survey indicating strong public support for PBS in Arkansas, particularly for children’s educational programming, news and public affairs, science and history shows, local content, and emergency alerts.

PBS officials also noted that Arkansas is the first state to fully end its affiliation with the network.