MISSION
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’ only statewide public media network, serves as a daily and essential resource for all Arkansans. For more than 55 years, Arkansas PBS has empowered learners of all ages. It educates, informs, entertains and inspires the community by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories.
Arkansas PBS values excellence, innovation and collaboration – delivering compelling local productions alongside classic, trusted PBS programs. The organization keeps its audience at the center of all it does.
Arkansas PBS is an investment in the education, culture and future of Arkansas. Children’s programming serves as Arkansas’ preschool for those who cannot afford quality preschool, while Arkansas PBS provides the highest quality professional development for educators, giving them the tools to help children succeed in school and in life. It keeps Arkansans safe as the backbone of the statewide emergency alert system and is Arkansas’ storyteller, bringing to light the people and experiences that make Arkansas a remarkable place to live.
Arkansas PBS reaches Arkansans through livestreaming, on-demand services and YouTube and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS (Arkansas Information Reading Services for the Blind).
In the last year, Arkansas PBS has expanded its transmitter signal to increase television broadcast coverage from 76% of the state to 95%, reaching more Arkansans than ever before. Arkansas PBS is grateful for operational support from the state of Arkansas and depends on the generosity of Arkansas businesses, foundations and individuals to continue offering quality programming.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Over 24,000 individual members/viewers of Arkansas PBS provide the largest private source of contributed revenue.
• Businesses and organizations benefit from the underwriting recognition they receive as sponsors of Arkansas PBS programs.
• Individuals, businesses and foundations are essential to help create local, original productions and provide national programs to viewers.
FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
• Arkansas PBS hosts four on-air pledge drives per year.
• In-person events include Family Days (including Family Day 2022 on Nov. 5), High School Sports Championships, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, participation in Toad Suck Daze, screenings of program premieres and assorted literacy workshops, community education and outreach activities across the state.
• Virtual activities include YouTube Live events and exclusive member events providing behind-the-scenes experiences.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Arkansas PBS loves volunteers! A variety of volunteer opportunities include answering phones and being a camera operator during pledge drives, to office assistance, event staff and costume characters. Visit myarpbs.org/volunteer for more information.
• Internships are also available for college students and early career professionals. For more information, contact internships@myarkansaspbs.org.
OUR IMPACT
55 years
Arkansas PBS has been serving the Natural State for more than 55 years.
40+ hours
Arkansas PBS is Arkansas’ largest classroom, offering 40+ hours per week of children’s programming on its main channel; 24/7 children’s programming on its PBS KIDS channel.
81,000
Over 81,000 education sector users received free, online professional development in fiscal year 2022 from Arkansas PBS.
10 national awards
Arkansas PBS received 10 national awards in 2021, including five regional Emmy Awards and five national Public Media Awards.
5.6 million views
Arkansas PBS’ YouTube channel has 26,000 subscribers and more than 5.6 million views (and growing every day).
#1 ranking
For 19 years, PBS has been ranked #1 in public trust for news and public affairs. (M&RR survey Jan. 2022)
FUNDING SOURCES
Federal Government: 36%
State Government: 25%
Individuals/Memberships: 14%
Program Underwriting/Corporate: 3%
Grants/Foundations: 13%
Other: 9%
350 S. Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72034
501.682.2386 | myarkansaspbs.org
Established: 1966
Employees: 99
Service Area: Public Media
Arkansas PBS Foundation CEO: Marge Betley
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jonathan Rhodes, President
Ronnie Williams, Vice President
Gayle Corley, Secretary/Treasurer
Annette Herrington, Commission Representative
Cora Bowie Davis
Victor Green
Cherisse Jones-Branch
Toni Lindsey
Peggy Matson
Ed McClure
Scott Pace
Courtney Pledger
S. Lynne Rich
NETWORK COMMISSION
John Brown, Chair
West Doss, Vice Chair
Anne Canada
Ann Clemmer
Woody Freeman
Annette Herrington
Skip Holland
Cynthia Nance
The 2022/2023 Arkansas Giving Guide is presented by Wright Lindsey Jennings. Click here to read a letter from our sponsors.
