Half-million Arkansas TV funding request heads to full Legislative Council

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is backing a half-million-dollar funding request to help keep the state’s public television network on the air. And despite months of debate over Arkansas TV’s future, lawmakers didn’t waste time moving the request forward today.

The request sailed through a legislative panel Tuesday without a single question or objection.

The $500,000 in one-time state funds would help Arkansas TV tackle aging infrastructure, including transmitters that reach nearly three-quarters of the state’s population.

Arkansas TV leaders say some of the equipment is so old it can no longer be repaired, meaning if it fails, parts of the state could lose service.

The vote comes just weeks after lawmakers rejected a separate proposal to help cover PBS-related costs, but supporters say this plan focuses on protecting the network’s long-term operations and keeping Arkansas viewers connected.

Senator Bart Hester framed the moment as a shift in priorities, saying, “We believe in the direction things are headed. Focus more on what Arkansans are doing, what’s happening in Arkansas.”

And on the question of whether smooth sailing will continue when the full Legislative Council takes it up Friday, Hester didn’t dodge the reality of politics, saying, “You always expect some push back anytime you spend a significant amount of money. I suspect there may be some Friday, but debate is good. Democracy is good. This is a good thing for the state of Arkansas and I’m glad we’re doing it.”

The Governor’s Office released the following statement tying the funding to both partnership and direction

“Governor Sanders is grateful to the legislature for partnering with outside supporters to support Arkansas TV, and she looks forward to working with Arkansas TV leadership to ensure the broadcaster highlights the Natural State and aligns with Arkansas values.”

The funding request now heads to the full Legislative Council Friday.