The congressional hearing on the Jan. 6 insurrection fomented by Donald Trump will begin airing tonight on the major commercial and cable networks and many other sources, but not Fox News. And also not the main Arkansas PBS channel.

A reader inquired about the PBS decision last night and I got a response to that question this morning:

Advertisement

This was a programming decision. We provide 4 channels that serve Arkansans. We often use WORLD Channel to augment the types of political and public affairs programming we present to Arkansans (including the Arkansas House of Representative proceedings), and it is part of our overall programming differentiation strategy to serve Arkansans with more choices.

PBS is putting the subsequent daytime January 6th Committee Hearings on the WORLD Channel so it is important to stay consistent on where our audience can find these hearings. Also, these daytime hearings may potentially be extended for weeks, and we need to preserve the airtime on the channel that we will be devoting to our essential “Rise and Shine” summer learning programming for Arkansas students.

Tiffany L. Head

Marketing & Audience Relations Manager | Arkansas PBS

The first hearing starts at 7 p.m. today. Arkansas PBS’s on-air program at that hour will be “Dairy Bars: Neat Eats and Cool Treats.”

Arkansas PBS says this about the availability of the World channel, including a streaming connection here:

Advertisement

These channels are available to watch over the air using an antenna hooked up to a converter box or digital television. However, it is up to cable and satellite companies to make these channels available to their subscribers.

Some cable systems include the channel. Other streaming options include the PBS Facebook and YouTube pages.

The PBS Newshour will carry the hearings live with reporting and analysis. But the Arkansas PBS on-air schedule will end Newshour at its customary time of 7 p.m., when the Jan. 6 hearing begins.

Advertisement

In fairness to Arkansas PBS, that’s more than enough coverage for legislators like Sen. Dan Sullivan and other PBS critics.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article The shape of Asa’s run for president: He’ll whip inflation and China and be another Ronald Reagan Next article Ridgewood Brothers announces plans for brick-and-mortar in Russellville