The Sacramento Business Journal recently published an opinion column by KVIE President and General Manager David Lowe highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of public television: its role as part of the region’s economic infrastructure.
The column, titled “The Untold Story of Public Television Station KVIE’s Economic Impact,” outlines how public media contributes to the Sacramento region not only through education and culture, but also through jobs, local storytelling, and support for small businesses and industry.
In the piece, Lowe explains that KVIE employs nearly 60 full-time staff members and works with numerous local contractors, producers, editors, and creative professionals. Those partnerships, along with local vendor relationships and employee benefits, contribute directly to the regional economy.
The op-ed also highlights several KVIE programs that showcase the people and industries shaping Northern California.
The column also emphasizes KVIE’s role in education. With more than half of U.S. children not attending preschool, PBS KIDS programming available free on KVIE serves as an early learning resource for many families. Research-based children’s content helps young viewers develop early math, reading, and social-emotional skills that support long-term academic success.
Lowe’s column notes that this work is supported in part by funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides approximately $2.5 million annually to KVIE. Those funds account for about 16% of the station’s operating budget and help sustain local programming, educational resources, and national productions created in Sacramento.
The op-ed underscores a central point: public television stations like KVIE are not only cultural institutions. They are also employers, economic contributors, and platforms that amplify the stories of local businesses, workers, and communities.
The full opinion column is available to subscribers of the Sacramento Business Journal.