OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has vetoed Senate Bill 1461, that would keep the state running OETA – the public broadcasting TV station – through 2031.
Stitt’s action comes despite the bill having widespread, bipartisan support from legislators.
Stitt has tried to shut down OETA before, in 2023.
Lawmakers overrode his efforts back then, and is set to vote next week on some veto overrides, but it’s unclear if Senate Bill 1461 is among them.
OETA is more dependent on state funding than ever, after the Trump White House ended federal funding for public broadcasting.
Despite the cuts in federal funding, OETA officials earlier this year said it would be possible to continue operation if it continues to get state funding in combination with the private donations it receives.
