Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN Commission, Foundation align on future vision, new operational structure
Posted 19 Nov 2019
The Arkansas Educational Television Network Commission and the Arkansas PBS Foundaion Board have aligned in a new operational structure that will help move the network forward into a digitally robust future.
"We have a longstanding relationship with the Arkansas PBS Foundaion built on clarity of mission and vision," AETN Commission Chair Skip Holland said. "The foundation provides crucial financial backing that enables us to offer the rich cultural and educational opportunities we are known for statewide.
"We have redefined our operational structure to bolster revenue opportunities and foster digital growth, in turn enhancing AETN's relevance in an ever-changing media landscape. We are excited about the possibilities this renewed relationship will provide for our viewers, members and all Arkansans. We look forward to a bright future for public media in Arkansas with the continued support of the Foundation and its members."
A vote today by the commission restores the position of the AETN executive director and an AETN Commission representative to the Arkansas PBS Foundaion Board with full voting rights and places them on the executive committee of the board.
The new structure will also provide for no fewer than eight and no more than 15 foundation board members. The foundation board and AETN Commission will be invited to nominate candidates for these five newly added positions, and the foundation board executive committee will narrow the candidates to a slate of up to five proposed new members for the board's consideration and approval.
"The Arkansas PBS Foundaion is proud of our nearly 35-year history supporting the programming on AETN that Arkansans love and trust," Arkansas PBS Foundaion Board Chair Dr. S. Lynne Rich said. "We anticipate even greater benefits for our members as we work with the commission, donors and viewers to provide Arkansans engagement opportunities throughout the state."
Rich will remain board chair until the foundation board's annual meeting in 2020.
The Arkansas PBS Foundaion exists to support AETN's mission of enhancing lives through trusted, multiplatform public media content and educational services. The Foundation provides Arkansans with opportunities to connect with Arkansas's only statewide public media by becoming a financial donor, corporate or foundation partner, volunteer, or by other means of giving. The Arkansas PBS Foundaion builds and strengthens relationships between AETN, donors and audiences and is committed to being a transparent and accountable steward of private financial support.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network is Arkansas's only statewide public media network, which enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers through multiple digital platforms and the distinct channels AETN PBS, AETN Create, AETN PBS KIDS, AETN World and AETN AIRS on SAP. Members with AETN Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at aetn.org. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).