Austin PBS: We are Public Media and we exist to serve the public good.
Public media is more at risk now than ever before. Despite overwhelming public opposition, the House passed a rescissions package that would eliminate $1.1 billion in already-approved funding for public media. If enacted, it would strip essential services from communities nationwide — and could force rural stations off the air entirely.
The Senate could take up this rescissions package as early as this week. Now is the time to urge them to remove the proposal targeting public media from the package.
You can make a difference.
Make your voice heard, call your Senators at protectmypublicmedia.org and urge them to vote against rescinding public media funding.
And donate today, your gift now helps sustain our work for tomorrow and beyond.
Donate NowWhy Austin PBS is Essential
Providing Educational Services for All Central Texans
- High-quality, engaging, standards-aligned digital media for PK-12, plus school readiness programs like Play to Learn for children ages 2-4.
- Free, non-commercial educational TV, available over the air and on kids’ favorite platforms—including Carl the Collector, PBS KIDS’ first series featuring an autistic lead. Plus, interactive educational games that promote learning through play.
- Local community events that engage thousands of youth and educators each year, including our Family Fest, Daniel Tiger Be My Neighbor Day, High School Quiz Show, Month of the Military Child, and our Writers Showcase Celebration - all free and open to the public.
Providing Vital Public Safety Information
- Emergency Alerts: Delivering critical early warning communications to keep you safe
- Reliable Resources: Providing clear guidance during crises when it matters most.
- Open: For everyone, serving rural and remote communities across Central Texas.
Free, Trusted Local & National Programming for All
- Commercial-free programming, including Austin PBS Originals Austin City Limits, Overheard with Evan Smith, Central Texas Gardener and more.
- Award-winning, national programs like the beloved All Creatures Great & Small, Frontline, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA, Great Performances and more.
- Reliable local community-centered reporting, including the award-winning series Decibel and Austin InSight, our new weekly program with news and feature journalism that covers the issues and people impacting central Texans.
Our Impact: Educating, Engaging, and Inspiring
- Engaged thousands of community members through events, forums, and workshops.
- Strengthened cross-sector collaboration by amplifying community voices and addressing local needs through our Community Advisory Board.
- Supported training programs in education, childcare, and trust-building.
- Delivered 35,000+ hours of free, educational, and engaging programming annually.
- Showcased Austin to the world through Austin City Limits, the longest-running music television show in history.
The Facts of Federal Funding
Local public media stations are among the last locally managed outlets, with Austin PBS as the only locally owned television station in Central Texas. Together, PBS stations across the country serve 99% of the U.S. population, including 24/7 coverage in rural and remote areas.
- Represents .01% of the federal budget
- About $1.60 per person annually
How You Can Help
As threats to public media funding grow, local stations like ours are at risk. Your voice matters—stand with Austin PBS to remind lawmakers that public media is essential and widely supported.
Federal funding and community support make public media possible. Together, we can protect this vital resource for future generations.
Join the effort at Protect My Public Media, where you can:
- Contact your lawmakers
- Sign up for email alerts
- Become a member of Austin PBS and support our station
Public Media Needs You
The threat to federal funding has grown. Your gift now sustains our work for tomorrow and beyond.
Donate Now