Poll finds PBS popular with Arkansans
A new statewide poll conducted by YouGov found that PBS is the most trusted television news source among Arkansas adults. Recently, Arkansas TV has moved PBS News Hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the poll reveals that 83% value this programming. It was the most-watched PBS news show, and more than twice as many participants preferred the original 6 p.m. timeslot to the later 10 p.m.
Key Findings:
- 65% of Arkansans trust PBS news and public affairs programming, higher than any other television news network tested, including NBC (54%), ABC (52%), CBS (51%), Fox News (50%), CNN (45%), and MSNBC/MS NOW (41%).
- 80% of Arkansans believe Arkansas TV should seek viewer input before making programming changes, with 51% advocating for input in all cases and 29% thinking it's necessary for major changes.
- Approximately 69% agreed that PBS helps connect Arkansas to communities across the country, and 64% said PBS serves as a window to the world.
- Majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents (80%, 57%, and 80%, respectively) agreed that PBS helps connect Arkansas to communities nationwide.
"Friends of Arkansas PBS continues to advocate for PBS access in Arkansas. This poll confirms what we already knew. Arkansans trust PBS programming and want a voice before major decisions are made about their programming. Arkansans are ready for a return to normal programming," said Gay White and Barbara Pryor, co-chairs of Friends of Arkansas PBS, in a joint statement.
Tags: Arkansas TV, PBS, News Hour, YouGov, programming changes