Iowa PBS Calls on Iowans to Support Public Television During Pledge Drive

From Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and coverage of the Iowa State Fair to Downton Abbey and Market to Market, Iowa PBS has been a trusted part of the state’s educational and cultural life for more than 50 years. Now, station leaders say community support is more important than ever.

Iowa PBS is asking Iowans to make a contribution during its annual pledge drive, running throughout February and March, following a significant loss of federal funding.

“In the wake of unprecedented changes in public television funding, Iowa PBS is here for Iowans and remains steadfast in our mission to serve communities across the state,” said Iowa PBS Executive Director and General Manager Andrew Batt.

In July 2025, Congress eliminated federal funding for public media, resulting in an 18% reduction to Iowa PBS’s annual budget — approximately $3.5 million. The cut represents the largest loss of public funding in the station’s history.

Batt said while the funding reduction presents serious challenges, it does not change Iowa PBS’s commitment to delivering trusted, high-quality and locally relevant programming statewide.

“Iowa PBS is here today. We’ll be here tomorrow. And with the support of Iowans, we’ll be here for generations to come,” Batt said. “Iowa PBS exists for one reason — to serve the people of Iowa. We’re deeply grateful for the trust our viewers place in us, and their generosity ensures we can continue to inform, educate and inspire.”

During the pledge drive, viewers can make a donation at any time by visiting iowapbs.org/support or by calling 800.728.2828.

“Every gift makes a difference,” said President of the Iowa PBS Foundation Rob Hilbert. “Donations support everything from high school sports coverage and the preservation of Iowa history to educational programming for children and storytelling that reflects life across our state — from border to border and river to river.”

Support to Iowa PBS directly fuels new original documentaries, including Tractor Wars II, Iowa PBS’s newest film premiering this March. The documentary explores the intense competition among tractor manufacturers from the 1930s through the 1950s, as companies raced to balance power and affordability from boardrooms to farm fields. Public contributions help make the development and sharing of new stories possible. 

Hilbert encouraged viewers to consider supporting the station during the pledge drive.

“When people make meaningful gifts, it adds up to something powerful,” Hilbert said. “Community support is what keeps Iowa PBS strong and accessible for everyone. We invite Iowans to make a gift and help sustain this service they value.”