Richison Family Foundation Invests $500,000 in Oklahoma Public Media
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 7, 2026) — The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) today announced a $500,000 program-underwriting grant from the Richison Family Foundation, established by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison. The investment will help sustain OETA’s essential public media services for Oklahomans, including PBS KIDS early learning programming, the award-winning Oklahoma News Report and the statewide Wireless Emergency Alert system.
“At a time when federal support for public broadcasting is uncertain, this investment from the Richison Family Foundation is both meaningful and essential,” said executive director of OETA, Shawn Black. “We are incredibly grateful for partners like the Richison Family Foundation, who believe in our mission and help make it possible. Their support also highlights the vital role underwriters play in sustaining public television as a trusted, noncommercial resource for all.”
Program underwriting is a cornerstone of public broadcasting. Underwriters like the Richison Family Foundation align their name with trusted, educational, noncommercial content that reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers each week. This grant will help sustain OETA’s programming and services, expand educational and digital access across the state and strengthen long-term stability for future generations.
“Public broadcasting is an essential resource for communities, and I’m proud to support OETA, a sustainable organization that is making a lasting impact,” said Richison.
OETA is Oklahoma’s statewide public television network, reaching all 77 counties through four full-power transmitters and 14 low-power translators. More than 650,000 viewers tune in each week, consistently making OETA one of the most-watched PBS stations in the nation. OETA’s programming and services are delivered free over the air and remain a lifeline for families, educators and communities throughout the state.
About OETA
OETA provides essential educational content and services that inform, inspire and connect Oklahomans to ideas and information that enrich our quality of life. We do this by consistently engaging Oklahomans with educational and public television programming, providing educational training and curriculum, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. For more information about education curriculum and programs, local productions, digital television, community resources, and show schedules, explore OETA.tv.
About the Richison Family Foundation
The Richison Family Foundation supports sustainable organizations with a lasting impact on the missions they serve, including children’s education, foster care, food supplies, mental health, wellness and self-care. Through passionate, sustainable philanthropic efforts, the Foundation works to leave a lasting impact on the community for generations to come. To learn more, visit richisonfamilyfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Jennifer Mullins, 405-210-1041, jmullins@oeta.tv
Media Contact: Katy Fabrie, APR, 405-403-5423, kfabrie@goodengroup.com