Smoky Hills PBS

BUNKER HILL, KS – In a move that will have profound consequences for public broadcasting, Congress has voted to eliminate all federal funding for public media. This decision cuts off a critical revenue source for Smoky Hills PBS, which relies on these funds to serve communities across Central and Western Kansas.

Federal support has historically covered approximately 50% of Smoky Hills PBS’s annual operating budget. These funds have allowed the station to deliver high-quality, trusted programming including local high school sports, Doctors on Call, The Kansas Legislature, children’s programming, local documentaries, and educational outreach initiatives such as the Share A Story program.

“The elimination of Federal Funding for our local station is devastating,” said Betsy Schwien, General Manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “This decision directly impacts the very programs and outreach efforts that define who we are and how we serve.”

For decades, Smoky Hills PBS has been more than just a television station. It has been a lifeline for rural Kansans – providing free educational content to families and schools, broadcasting cultural and civic programming, providing critical emergency alerts and warnings, and connecting communities across the region.

With the loss of federal funding, the station is now turning to individual donors, businesses, and community partners to help sustain its mission. We are committed to continuing our mission – and with the help of our viewers and friends, we can adapt and move forward.

How You Can Help?

• Make a donation to Smoky Hills PBS at SmokyHillsPBS.org. With your support, we can continue to be a trusted and essential service for generations to come.

• Continue to advocate for public media in your community. Share our local story with others. Tell everyone about Smoky Hills PBS!

• We want to hear from you! Share your story about what Smoky Hills PBS means to you by emailing support@shptv.org.

About Smoky Hills PBS

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas. Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air with an antenna, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and Dish Network, HULU + LIVE TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime. You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here: video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream. More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.