First State announces break with PBS due to ‘not feasible’ costs

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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arkansas Becomes the first US state to break its ties with a public broadcasting service (pbs), The network behind beloved programs likeSesame Street,new star,” And “Antiques Roadshow,

Arkansas Educational Television The eight-member commission, appointed by the governor, announced Thursday its intention to disaffiliate from PBS on July 1.

The commission described the reduction of annual membership dues of approximately $2.5 million as “not feasible”, as well as the unexpected loss of a similar amount in federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

The CPB was targeted for closure earlier this year and its funding was later cut by Congress. PBS Arkansas will now be rebranded as Arkansas TV, according to executive director and CEO Carlton Wing, a former Republican, who promises a greater focus on local content. state representative Who took charge in September.

Wing said, “Public television in Arkansas is not going away. In fact, we invite you to join us in our vision to focus more on local.” programming“Continuing to protect Arkansas and support our K-12 teachers and students during this time of emergency.”

PBS confirmed in an email Thursday that Arkansas is the first state to definitively sever ties with the broadcaster.
PBS confirmed in an email Thursday that Arkansas is the first state to definitively sever ties with the broadcaster. ,getty images,

PBS confirms Arkansas is definitely the first state to cut ties Alabama had considered similar action last month but opted to retain its contract after a public outcry.

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A PBS spokesperson expressed concern, saying, “The Commission’s decision to drop the PBS membership is a blow to Arkansans, who will lose free, on-air access to the quality PBS programming they know and love.”

Canceling CPB funding is a direct result of the President donald trumpRepeatedly targeting public media, which he claims spreads political and cultural views contrary to American values.

The move is expected to have a significant impact on the journalism and cultural landscape, particularly at public radio and TV stations in smaller communities across the country.

Arkansas House Democratic leader Representative Andrew Collins regretted the decision, calling it “certainly a loss for Arkansas families who value PBS’s programming.”

CPB provides funding to both PBS and NPR, with most of its support distributed to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations across the country. First State announces cut of its relationship with PBS due to ‘not feasible’ costs

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