A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced Friday it is donating $500,000 to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority in the wake of avetofor a funding extension by Gov. Kevin Stitt for the agency that broadcasts “Sesame Street,” “Antiques Roadshow” and highly acclaimed Ken Burns documentaries.
The grant from the Richison Family Foundation, established by Richison, is intended to help sustain OETA’s public media services for Oklahomans, including PBS KIDS early learning programming, the award-winning Oklahoma News Report and the statewide Wireless Emergency Alert system.
More:Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk
“At a time when federal support for public broadcasting is uncertain, this investment from the Richison Family Foundation is both meaningful and essential,” said Shawn Black, executive director of OETA. “We are incredibly grateful for partners like the Richison Family Foundation, who believe in our mission and help make it possible. Their support also highlights the vital role underwriters play in sustaining public television as a trusted, noncommercial resource for all.”
Such underwriting has long been a part of funding for public broadcasting; the Richison Family Foundation grant represents 17% of the $2.95 million in funding the legislature allocated for the 2026 fiscal year.
“Public broadcasting is an essential resource for communities,” Richison said. “I’m proud to support OETA, a sustainable organization that is making a lasting impact.”
The Richison contribution and other donations will not end uncertainty about public broadcasting in Oklahoma that first went on the air in 1956 after OETA was created by state lawmakers. The statewide public television network, reaching all 77 counties through four full-power transmitters and 14 low-power translators draws more than 650,000 viewers each week, making OETA one of the most-watched PBS stations in the nation.
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Citing President Donald Trump’s opposition to public broadcasting and contending it shouldn’t be subsidized by taxpayers, Stitt vetoed OklahomaSenate Bill 1461, which would have extended the sunset date for OETA, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031.
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Without the state Senate and House of Representative's overriding Stitt's veto ofSB 1461— authored bySen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, andRep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus — OETA's legal mandate to operate as Oklahoma's public broadcaster could expire on July 1. Another bill, HB 3320, also addresses the sunset provision faced by OETA and passed 92 to 0.
“Right now, OETA’s focus remains on continuing to serve Oklahoma communities through trusted educational programming, PBS KIDS resources, local storytelling and journalism, statewide emergency communications infrastructure through WARN, and free over-the-air public television access for all 77 counties,” spokesperson Jennifer Mullins told The Oklahoman in an emailed statement.
“As legislative discussions continue regarding SB 1461 and HB 3320, we encourage Oklahomans who value OETA’s service to respectfully share their support for continued public television service with their legislators.”
Contributing: Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman:Paycom CEO donates $500,000 to OETA as it faces uncertain future
