Wyoming PBS today announced that it will be changing its name in the coming months to better reflect its mission as Wyoming’s own public television station and storyteller. While the new name is still under consideration, the removal of “PBS” from the station’s branding marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to strengthen local content, deepen community connections, and explore new opportunities for public media in Wyoming.
“This rebrand is a declaration of independence, not a departure from quality,” says Joanna Kail, CEO of Wyoming PBS. “While we will continue to provide the full suite of PBS programming and member benefits like Passport, we want our local vision to not be limited by a national brand. We are Wyoming’s storyteller first and a member station second. Our loyalty belongs to the 307.”
The decision is driven by three key goals:
- Clarity and Local Focus: Wyoming PBS aims to increase local programming. This rebranding signals a renewed commitment to sharing more of Wyoming stories, voices, and perspectives with residents across the state and nation.
- Flexibility in Content Sharing: With the historic closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), public media stations and organizations nationwide are exploring new models for content collaboration. Aligning exclusively by name with one content distributor limits the station’s ability to make programming decisions that best serve Wyoming communities. The rebrand creates space to pursue broader partnerships while maintaining quality and varied national programming.
- Continued PBS Partnership: Wyoming PBS will remain a member station of PBS, continuing to offer PBS content to viewers. All current member benefits, including PBS Passport, will remain unchanged, ensuring members continue to enjoy uninterrupted, on-demand access to their favorite national programs, along with local productions. This change underscores the station’s desire to advocate for content that better represents rural communities and the unique stories of Wyoming.
Approximately 60 percent of public television stations nationwide have names and corresponding branding that are specific to their local regions or states without the inclusion of any specific content distribution organization. Wyoming PBS will be one of many to embrace the local identity of a statewide public television station. The station has had at least three official name iterations in its 40-year history: KCWC, Wyoming Public Television, and Wyoming PBS.
The station will work with stakeholders, partners, and communities over the next several months to select a new name that reflects its identity and mission. Along with this new name and brand rollout will be the announcement of exciting new programs, projects, and partnerships. Throughout this process, the station will remain fully operational, continuing to provide high-quality programming, broadcast emergency alerts, and educational services to the people of Wyoming.
Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, Wyoming PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.