Arkansas’s statewide public television network, long known as Arkansas PBS and previously AETN, will adopt a new identity next year as “Arkansas TV,” the network announced Thursday. The change accompanies a major shift in programming and funding after the organization unexpectedly lost $2.5 million in annual federal support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting this summer.
Following the funding loss, network leaders conducted an internal review and determined they could no longer afford to pay roughly $2.5 million in yearly membership dues to PBS. On Thursday, the Arkansas Educational Television Commission voted to formally disaffiliate from PBS effective July 1, 2026.
Despite the departure from PBS, officials stressed that public television will remain available statewide, with a renewed emphasis on local programming.
“Public television in Arkansas is not going away,” Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing said. “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 K12 educators and students.”
Wing said the network has seen strong support from donors and community partners since the federal funding cut and expressed confidence in securing additional backing from individuals, foundations and corporate sponsors for new Arkansas-centered content.
Viewers will see little change to the network’s lineup through June 30, 2026. Starting July 1, Arkansas TV plans to launch several new programs, including two children’s series, two food-focused shows, two history series and multiple additional projects currently in early development and fundraising stages.
“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,” Wing said. “As we embrace our new identity, we are making strategic decisions to ensure a sustainable model for public television in Arkansas for generations to come.”
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