Austin PBS: We are Public Media and we exist to serve the public good.
Austin PBS is facing a defining moment. The United States Senate has approved a federal rescission package that cuts previously approved public media funding—including nearly $3 million in committed support for Austin PBS.
This decision delivers a significant blow to our ability to serve Central Texans with the trusted programs, educational resources, and local storytelling you rely on. The effects will be felt immediately and will continue to impact our work in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
Still, our commitment remains firm. We will continue to deliver vital emergency alerts that help keep our communities safe, high-quality programming you know and love—from Austin City Limits and Central Texas Gardener to Overheard with Evan Smith, Decibel, Austin Insight, and educational resources for families and teachers across our region.
But we can’t do it without you.
Here’s how you can help:
- If you’re not a member, now is the time to join
- If you already give, consider becoming a sustaining member or making an additional gift
- Continue watching, advocating and sharing Austin PBS content
With your advocacy and support, we can navigate this challenge and build a stronger future for Austin PBS. Thank you for standing with us.
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.
How You Can Help
The future of Austin PBS will be shaped by our community’s response at this moment. We need you to keep using our services and sharing why Austin PBS matters to you. Your voice helps amplify the impact of public media in our community. We also need your financial support.
- If you’re not a member, now is the time to join
- If you already give, consider becoming a sustaining member or making an additional gift
- Continue watching, advocating and sharing Austin PBS content