PBS programs will remain in Arkansas after commission accepts funds raised for dues

PBS programs will be available in Arkansas for another year after the state’s public television commission agreed Thursday to pay PBS dues and undo its effort to cut ties from the national network.

Arkansas had been set to become the first state to cut off from PBS, but had paused the move earlier this year following an outcry from donors and viewers.

The Arkansas TV Foundation announced Wednesday that it achieved its goal of raising more than $2.1 million to cover PBS membership dues from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The six-member Arkansas TV Commission voted at Thursday’s regular meeting to use the money for its intended purpose.

“This achievement, I believe, is a testament to the value that our campaigns place on the PBS programming as a resource for trusted, high-quality, lifelong learning,” Arkansas TV Foundation CEO Marge Betley told the commission.

Arkansas had moved to cut ties with PBS last year in response to the defunding and closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

Arkansas public television viewers, parents disillusioned with network’s plan to cut ties with PBS

Arkansans expressed their discontent with the possibility that PBS programs would no longer be available over the air starting July 1, and many said they would no longer donate to the network. A campaign to keep PBS in Arkansas was spearheaded by former first ladies Barbara Pryor and Gay White.

The PBS Dues Fund launched in March after the commission paused the disaffiliation effort. Donations came from all 75 counties, Betley said.

Large donations came from the Knight Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, Schueck Family Foundation and the Tyson Family Foundation. An anonymous donor pledged $1 million to be used per year for three years, on the condition that the network retains its PBS membership and that the foundation matches every dollar with contributions from other donors.

This is a developing story and will be updated.