Arkansas PBS will continue its national affiliation for another year after commissioners voted Monday to renew the network's membership with its parent company, despite facing potential federal funding cuts that could eliminate more than half its operating budget.
The decision comes as the state's public television network confronts the possibility of losing $2.5 million in federal funding if President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are approved by Congress. That funding represents 51% of Arkansas PBS's operating expenses.
The renewal ensures Arkansas PBS will retain access to national programming including Antiques Roadshow and PBS Kids 24/7, which would have been lost if the network had disaffiliated from the national PBS system12. Without the national membership, Arkansas PBS would have reverted to its former name, the Arkansas Educational Television Network1.
Interim director Sajni Kumpuris told commissioners that half of the federal grant supports PBS programming, which drives more than $3 million in annual individual donations1. Arkansas PBS Foundation CEO Marge Betley warned that donations could "nosedive" without access to national shows, as 80% of online donors cite programming as their reason for giving2.
Only two commissioners voted against the renewal. Chairman West Doss and Maria Sullivan expressed concerns about committing to a contract without reading its terms first2. "We would be fiscally irresponsible to commit to something this afternoon, which is what PBS says we have to do, when we don't know where they stand," Doss said2.
Trump's executive order seeks to cut nearly $1.1 billion in Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding for 2026 and 2027, arguing that federal spending "subsidizes a public media system that is politically biased"1. The rescission request narrowly passed the House 214-212 earlier this month1.
According to KATV, Arkansas PBS receives about 15% of its budget from federal sources, compared to 8-10% for most local NPR stations2. The Arkansas PBS Foundation has pledged up to $1.8 million using reserves and potential public campaigns to help offset potential losses34.
Arkansas PBS has faced recent legislative scrutiny over procurement practices, with auditors referring findings to a prosecuting attorney following questions about contract bidding procedures1. State Senator Dan Sullivan has proposed legislation to abolish the network's oversight board and place it under the Department of Education12.
Executive Director Courtney Pledger left her position this month amid the ongoing challenges3.
