The Future of PBS: A Special State of the Station

In the wake of the federal funding rescission impacting PBS and NPR stations nationwide, the future of trusted, community‑based public media is being actively reshaped. What happens next matters to educators, families, journalists, and local communities across the country. Join PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger at the historic Folly Theater for a timely and candid conversation with Kansas City PBS’ Nick Haines about where public media goes from here. Together, they’ll explore the current national landscape, how PBS is responding, and why local stations remain essential engines of civic connection, education, and storytelling. Paula and Nick will dive into:

• The resilience of the public media system in moments of disruption
• Why local storytelling and trusted journalism are more critical than ever
• The strategies shaping a sustainable, community‑centered future for PBSPaula Kerger, the longest‑serving president and CEO in PBS history, has led the organization since 2006. She is widely recognized for steering PBS through a period of profound transformation—expanding its reach across platforms while staying true to its core mission to educate, inform, and inspire.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from two leaders shaping the direction of public media. There will be time for Q&A from the audience, as well.

Doors open at 5:15 PM, and the program will begin at 6:00 PM. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Parking is available nearby, with both paid lots at varying rates and complimentary street parking options.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Kansas City PBS