The public broadcaster remains on the air, but lawmakers and the next governor will decide in 2027 whether its 70-year run continues.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority entered the final year of its statutory authorization July 1, beginning a one-year countdown that could end the state’s public broadcasting network unless lawmakers vote next year to extend its authority.
For viewers, however, little changes immediately.
OETA will continue normal operations during the coming year while the sunset process unfolds. The network will continue providing PBS programming, children’s educational content, locally produced public affairs programming and the statewide broadcast infrastructure used to distribute emergency alerts and severe weather warnings.
The uncertainty stems from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of legislation that would have extended OETA’s statutory authorization for another five years. Although the Oklahoma House overrode one related veto, the Senate fell short of the votes needed to override Stitt’s veto of Senate Bill 1461 before adjourning in May, leaving the broadcaster on course to sunset unless lawmakers revisit the issue during the 2027 legislative session.
Stitt has consistently argued that funding a television network is not a core function of state government. In his veto message, he said public broadcasting should rely on viewers, donors and private support rather than taxpayer funding.
Supporters argue OETA’s mission extends well beyond television programming. Lawmakers from both parties have pointed to the network’s role in distributing emergency weather warnings, Amber Alerts and other public safety messages through its statewide transmitter network. They also cite its educational programming, local productions and service to rural communities.
The issue also emerged during the Republican gubernatorial primary and could become one of the first policy questions facing Oklahoma’s next governor.
Republican runoff candidates Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei have taken different positions on OETA’s future. Drummond said he supports extending the broadcaster’s statutory authority, citing its educational mission and public safety role. Mazzei said he would not have signed the extension bill, arguing OETA should move toward greater private support while preserving its emergency communications functions.
Because Stitt is term-limited, the next governor will work with the 2027 Legislature to determine whether OETA is reauthorized, restructured or allowed to complete the sunset process. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said after the failed veto override that lawmakers would likely revisit the issue with the next governor, making it a topic for the gubernatorial campaign and the next legislative session.
If lawmakers take no action before July 1, 2027, OETA would complete the sunset process under state law.
