Arkansas PBS

The state’s public television network is walking back a decision to disaffiliate with the national Public Broadcasting Service following public outcry.

Two former first ladies and the PBS CEO plan to attend Thursday’s commission meeting to show support for keeping PBS programs widely available in Arkansas

Many Arkansans told the network they will no longer donate, internal emails show

The broadcaster is dropping all PBS programming, effective June 30, and is re-branding to become Arkansas TV.

Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, was nominated for the CEO role by the Arkansas PBS commission Wednesday.

The decades-long recurring contract seemed to be in temporary jeopardy at a meeting Monday.

The Arkansas PBS Commission named Sajni Kumpuris as the public television network’s interim director during a special meeting Tuesday.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, introduced Senate Bill 184 to transfer the Arkansas Educational Television Commission’s powers to the Department of Education.

The bill comes after several other legislative attempts to regulate content in state libraries and concerns over oversight at Arkansas PBS.

Senate Bill 184 would disband the State Library Board and the Arkansas Educational Television Commission, transferring their duties to the Department of Education.