As of June 3rd, 2025, the White House has submitted a formal request to Congress to rescind already-approved federal funding for public media. On June 12th, the House of Representatives passed the Recession Package to cut federal funding for public media. The Senate will take up the bill next. Send a message now urging your Senators to vote against rescinding public media funding.
If approved, this move would affect the way Smoky Hills PBS would continue serving communities across central and western Kansas.
UPDATE as of July 18, 2025 - This week, Congress voted to rescind all federal funding for public media, funding for Smoky Hills PBS, and that funding has been eliminated. This loss hits hard because it does cut half our annual budget, crippling our ability to bring you the programs, events, and local stories you love.
Rural PBS stations could bear brunt of public media cuts. Just ask those in Kansas ...
USA TODAY - It is these local stations, particularly the ones in rural areas like Smoky Hills PBS, that will bear the brunt of the federal funding cuts. Aside from the potential job losses, they say it would also mean less information distributed to an already-underserved population, less coverage of popular local events such as high school wrestling and less attention to day-to-day life in rural America.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Make a donation - every gift helps fill the gap. Federal Funding cuts removed half of our fiscal year budget, so every gift helps us continue doing what you love! DONATE TODAY
2. Volunteer - Now more than ever we will start calling on our volunteers to help! Email membership@shptv.org
3. Continue to advocate for public media in your community. Share our story, tell others why you love Smoky Hills PBS and why we are important to your community!
4. We want to hear from you. Share your story about what Smoky Hills PBS means to you by emailing support@shptv.org.
For over 40 years, Smoky Hills PBS has been a vital part of Kansas life – from broadcasting the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championship, 8-Man All Star games, and Doctors on Call to providing trusted local coverage of The Kansas Legislature. Smoky Hills PBS also supports teachers with free educational tools and engages children through PBS KIDS programming, helping to build a strong educational foundation in homes and classrooms. Events are also put on throughout the year in many communities across the Smoky Hills PBS coverage area, including a Summer Library Presentation where we visit over 80 libraries!
This vital work is made possible in part by federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Without this federal funding, Smoky Hills PBS will be forced to reduce or eliminate the very programming, events, and resources that make Smoky Hills PBS a trusted LOCAL source for news, education, and culture.
“This isn’t just about TV. It’s about access — to educational programming, to local coverage, and to reliable information for rural and underserved areas. Without this funding, we risk losing educational programs, trusted news, and the local stories that unite us. This isn’t just funding – it’s a lifeline for learning, something we have taken pride in providing Kansans for decades.” ~ Betsy Schwien, General Manager of Smoky Hills PBS.
Smoky Hills PBS remains committed to serving Kansans — but we can’t do it without your voice and your support.
What We Bring to Kansas ...
- FREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN - For over 30 years, Smoky Hills PBS has provided free books to low-income kids in Early Head Start and Head Start to encourage parents and caregivers to read with their children.
- FREE Summer Reading Program - Each summer, SHPBS provides free reading programs in 60-70 public libraries in its viewing area for about 1,500 kids, usually preschool to early elementary-age kids, to prevent learning loss and encourage reading in the home.
- Encourages Young Kids to Write - SHPBS hosts the PBS KIDS Writers Contest. It encourages kids in grades 1-5 to work on their writing and illustrating skills and to submit their final story and illustrations into this contest where they can win prizes and a trophy!
LOCALLY PRODUCED PROGRAMS:
- Doctors on Call - LOCAL health show bringing in doctors and experts from around the state - LEARN MORE
- The Kansas Legislature - Bring in State Legislators to update viewers about issues being discussed in Topeka - LEARN MORE
- Real Ag - Learn more about the region's most important industry, agriculture - LEARN MORE
- Traveling Kansas - Find places to visit across Kansas. Local communities showcase their attractions - LEARN MORE
- Enjoy MUSIC by performers from across Kansas - LEARN MORE
- High School sports coverage highlighting the athletes, communities, and history of sports in Kansas - LEARN MORE
Real Stories. Real Impact.
At Smoky Hills PBS, our viewers are at the heart of everything we do. Their stories and support reflect the real impact public television has across our local, rural communities. From families who rely on our educational kids’ programming to fans of our local sports and LIVE shows, these testimonials showcase why Smoky Hills PBS matters — and how we’re making a difference every day.
"Many people probably aren't aware that Smoky Hills PBS gives 1000s of books to preschool kids throughout the year"
Helen Hands
SHPBS Board Member
"We've had customers come in and specifically thank us for sponsoring Smoky Hills PBS. People appreciate the support."
SHPBS Underwriter
Horlacher Jewelers, Colby
"I enjoyed PBS quite a bit when I was a kid. We didn't have cable services when I was a kid."
SHPBS Viewer Testimony
Dr. Tyrel Somers
Russell Regional Hospital
"PBS KIDS has definitely been one I know we can turn on and it's ok to watch ~ Wild Kratts made a difference in their lives."
SHPBS Viewer Testimony
Jenna Miller
