Arkansas’s only statewide public television network is entering a new chapter as it celebrates nearly 60 years of service. Effective today, the former Arkansas PBS (previously AETN) has rebranded as Arkansas TV, signaling a renewed mission to deliver more locally focused storytelling, community partnerships, and Arkansas-centered content.
For decades, the network’s mission has been to educate, inform, and inspire. Under its new identity, Arkansas TV is committing to even more Arkansas stories, Arkansas voices, and Arkansas experiences. Its Emmy Award–winning production team is already developing new series that reflect the state’s unique character and communities.
Executive Director and CEO Carlton Wing said the rebranding reinforces the network’s dedication to state-focused storytelling.
“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. “We are making strategic decisions to ensure a sustainable model for public television in Arkansas for generations to come.”
PBS Contract Will End in 2026 Following Federal Funding Loss
This summer, the network experienced a major setback when it unexpectedly lost $2.5 million in annual federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. After a thorough review of expenses, partnerships, and sustainability, Arkansas TV determined that continuing to pay nearly $2.5 million annually in PBS membership dues was no longer feasible.
On Wednesday, the Arkansas Educational Television Commission voted to disaffiliate from PBS, effective July 1, 2026.
Wing emphasized that the network is not going away.
“Public television in Arkansas is not going away,” he said. “We’re focused on expanding local programming, supporting K–12 educators, and keeping Arkansans informed during emergencies. We’re grateful for the support shown by donors and partners and are confident we can build a sustainable future for Arkansas TV.”
More Local Shows Coming in 2026
Arkansas TV has already begun developing multiple new Arkansas-centered productions that will launch after July 1, 2026. The 2026 lineup includes:
Two new children’s series
Two food-focused series
Two history series
Additional programs currently in fundraising and development
Viewers can expect the existing programming lineup to remain largely unchanged through June 30, 2026. After July 1, Arkansas TV will introduce new local content while still offering several options for viewers to access PBS programming through other platforms.
Name Transition Already Underway
Over the next several months, audiences will begin seeing the Arkansas TV name across broadcasts, the network’s website, social media channels, and email communications.
About Arkansas TV
Arkansas TV is the state’s only statewide public television network, offering Arkansas-focused programming, educational resources, and meaningful community partnerships. Viewers can watch live at myarpbs.org/live, stream programs on-demand at youtube.com/arkansaspbs, or tune into Arkansas TV and AIRS on SAP.
The network broadcasts on transmitters across Arkansas, including KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), and additional sites statewide.
More information is available at myarpbs.org/ArkansasTV.
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