Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS)

What Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS) does

Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide public television network headquartered at the Buell Public Media Center in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1956 as KRMA — the 18th educational television station in the United States. It operates four broadcast TV transmitters serving Denver, Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Grand Junction/Fruita, and Durango, two FM radio stations (KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP), and the RMPBS+ streaming application available on iOS, Android, web, and connected TV devices, with distribution reaching all 64 Colorado counties and more than one million Coloradans weekly. Programming includes PBS national content (MASTERPIECE, NOVA, Nature, Ken Burns), original local journalism, children's programming through RMPBS Kids, and community-resource verticals such as Work Learn Earn career pathways.

The revenue model is a donation- and membership-led public media funding stack with three principal streams: (1) individual donations and recurring sustaining memberships (over 90,000 sustaining or impact donors providing roughly three-quarters of funding, with a minimum of $5/month or $60/year unlocking the RMPBS Passport extended-content benefit), (2) corporate underwriting and business partnerships delivered through a dedicated account executive team under FCC-compliant 'values-aligned' messaging with only 2.5 minutes of partner content per hour, and (3) government and foundation grants, including historical Corporation for Public Broadcasting support that has been eliminated at the federal level and is now being backfilled through foundation and major-gift fundraising. Pricing tiers range from $5-$100+/month for sustaining memberships and $75-$1,200 one-time gifts, with vehicle donations processed through a CARS partnership. Distribution combines broadcast TV, FM radio, the RMPBS+ app, online streaming, three websites, four mobile apps, and five targeted e-newsletters.

Customer concentration is structurally low: revenue is spread across more than 90,000 individual sustaining members, a long tail of one-time donors, and a diversified mix of corporate underwriters, government agencies, and foundations (Buell Foundation, Bonfils Stanton Foundation, Koelbel & Company, and others). The primary customer segments are Colorado general-public viewers, families with children ages 2-8, civic- and education-focused adults, jazz and culture enthusiasts, and values-aligned business partners. The organization employs 101-250 staff, is led by President & CEO Amanda Mountain with a C-suite including a COO, Chief Digital Officer, and Chief Experience Officer, and is governed by a volunteer board. Operational signals indicate a transition underway: heavy reliance on individual donations to replace lost federal funding, a recently launched direct-to-consumer streaming app, and an expanding workforce-development content vertical.

Name

Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS)

Legal name

Rocky Mountain Public Media

Website

https://rmpbs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

RMPBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide public television network serving all 64 Colorado counties with broadcast TV, two FM radio stations, and the RMPBS+ streaming app, reaching over one million Coloradans weekly and funded primarily by 90,000+ sustaining members, corporate underwriters, and foundations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

National Public Television Networks & Member Stations (PBS-style) (MPABADAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Network/Studio Streaming Channels (MPABAHAG)

Keywords

• Public broadcasting services
• Educational television programming
• Digital streaming media
• Community journalism news
• Radio broadcasting operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Memberships: Nearly three-quarters of funding comes from individuals, including more than 90,000 people across Colorado who pledge as monthly sustaining members, donate impact gifts to support specific projects, or become legacy donors through estate plans. Minimum sustaining donation is $5/month or $60/year for Passport benefit.
2. Business Partners and Corporate Underwriting: Values-aligned business partners provide essential support through messaging that reflects shared values with audiences. Partners receive exposure across broadcast, radio, digital, and social platforms with FCC-compliant content.
3. Government and Foundation Funding: Significant revenue from government organizations and foundations supporting public media mission and specific projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS) operates Colorado's only statewide public television network under parent nonprofit Rocky Mountain Public Media (501(c)(3)). It delivers free broadcast television across four channels (RMPBS, RMPBS Kids 24/7, World, Create) via stations KRMA-6, KTSC-8, KRMJ-18 and Durango, plus two FM radio stations (KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP) and the RMPBS+ streaming app for live and on-demand content including the RMPBS Passport member benefit.

Product overview

Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS) operates as Colorado's only statewide public television network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprising multiple broadcast channels (RMPBS, RMPBS Kids, World, and Create), two FM radio stations (KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP), and digital platforms. The core product is the broadcast television network delivering local, national, and international programming, supported by the RMPBS+ streaming app and RMPBS Passport member benefit for extended on-demand access. Additional offerings include original local content (Colorado Experience, RMPBS News, Colorado Voices), the Work Learn Earn career pathways hub, and various community engagement initiatives. Funding comes from individual memberships, business underwriters, government, and foundations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RMPBS+ (RMPBS Plus): Streaming app for live TV and on-demand content from Rocky Mountain PBS
• KUVO JAZZ
• THE DROP
• World Channel
• Create TV
• Buell Public Media Center

Products and services

• RMPBS+ Streaming App Multi-device streaming application providing live TV and on-demand Rocky Mountain PBS content to viewers across Colorado, with RMPBS Passport member benefit unlocking extended access to past seasons of PBS shows.
• Rocky Mountain PBS Broadcast Television Colorado's only statewide public television network broadcasting local, national and international programming, news, and educational content across channels RMPBS, RMPBS Kids 24/7, World Channel and Create TV to all 64 Colorado counties.
• RMPBS Kids 24/7 children's educational programming channel and resource hub serving children ages 2-8, parents, caregivers and teachers with trusted PBS KIDS content and family engagement resources.
• RMPBS Passport Member Benefit Member benefit for sustaining donors providing extended streaming access to 1,000+ episodes of PBS programs including MASTERPIECE, NOVA, Nature, Ken Burns documentaries and other PBS library content via the RMPBS+ app.
• Work Learn Earn Career Pathways Career pathways community resource connecting Coloradans to job training, apprenticeships, and workforce development information across in-demand sectors including healthcare, skilled trades, technology, behavioral health, and education.
• KUVO JAZZ Radio Station FM radio station operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media providing jazz programming including Super Sonido Sundays and Cancion Mexicana, reaching Colorado Front Range and Pueblo audiences.
• THE DROP Radio Station FM radio station operated by Rocky Mountain Public Media, complementing KUVO JAZZ as part of the organization's multimedia public media portfolio.
• RMPBS News Local news programming including documentaries, investigative reporting, and original news series covering Colorado-specific civic and policy issues.
• Colorado Experience Original local documentary series exploring Colorado's history, culture, and communities produced by Rocky Mountain PBS.
• Colorado Voices Programming platform sharing diverse stories and perspectives from communities across Colorado, reflecting the cultural and demographic diversity of the state.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches over 1 million Coloradans each week
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Capitol News Alliance (KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, The Colorado Sun)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative journalism partnership producing coverage of state legislature and government. The Alliance produces in-depth reporting on Colorado politics and policy, with content shared across member organizations including KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun. Funding provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Work Learn Earn initiative providing career resources and workforce development information. CDLE provides access to Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Programs and workforce center locations across the state.
• Colorado Energy OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured partner for Weatherization and Renewable Energy Technology career pathways through Work Learn Earn. Their Weatherization Assistance Program works with six dedicated weatherization service providers around Colorado.
• Colorado Community College System (CCCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing behavioral health career pathways with 5 micro-credential pathways in mental health and substance misuse treatment. Seven CCCS colleges offer pathways including Behavioral Health Assistant, Patient Navigator, and Addiction Recovery Assistant credentials.
• Denver WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Work Learn Earn water industry careers section, providing information about careers at Denver Water which serves 1.5 million people in Denver and surrounding suburbs.
• Spartan CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in aerospace and aviation career pathways through Work Learn Earn, offering flight training and aviation technician programs.
• Front Range Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing pathways to careers in computer sciences, healthcare, skilled trades, and other workforce development areas through Work Learn Earn.
• CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNonprofit organization facilitating vehicle donations to Rocky Mountain PBS, making the process simple and convenient for donors wishing to contribute vehicles.
• UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured partner for Early Childhood Teaching career pathways through Work Learn Earn, offering College of Education programs.
• Independent Electrical ContractorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing apprenticeship programs for electrician career pathways through Work Learn Earn.
• Red Rocks Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing plumbing career pathway programs through Work Learn Earn.
• BuildStrong AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing construction management career pathway programs through Work Learn Earn.
• Colorado State University (CSU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing online certificates in construction management through Work Learn Earn.
• Community College of DenverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing surgical technology career pathway programs through Work Learn Earn.
• Aurora Nursing School, CU Anschutz Campus, Denver College of Nursing, MSU DenverminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner educational institutions providing nursing career pathway programs through Work Learn Earn.
• Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, Denver Health, Front Range Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institutions providing health technician career pathway programs through Work Learn Earn.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KQED (San Francisco): Major-market PBS member station operating TV and radio plus a flagship streaming/news operation. Directly comparable to RMPBS in business model (nonprofit, donor-funded, multi-platform), product mix (broadcast + streaming + kids), and size.
• WGBH (Boston PBS/WBUR): Boston-area PBS member station that also operates public radio (formerly WBUR). Directly comparable as a multi-platform nonprofit public broadcaster with similar size, funding mix, and award-winning national content production (e.g., Frontline, NOVA co-producer).
• Colorado Public Radio: Colorado's statewide public radio operator, a member of the Capitol News Alliance with RMPBS. Directly comparable as another Colorado-headquartered nonprofit public broadcaster depending on individual giving, underwriting, and similar CPB-aligned funding mechanisms.
• Minnesota Public Radio (MPR): Large-market public radio operator (NPR-affiliated) with multiple stations and a strong sustaining-member base. Comparable to the KUVO JAZZ / THE DROP radio operations of RMPBS in business model, scale, and programming mix (music + news).
• WETA (Washington DC PBS): PBS member station serving the DC metro with national production (PBS NewsHour). Comparable as a large-market nonprofit public media organization operating broadcast TV, radio, and streaming with similar funding mechanics.
• WNET (New York PBS): PBS member station serving the New York metro. Directly comparable as a large-market PBS operator running multiple broadcast channels, streaming platforms, and major donor-funded programming production.

Broad incumbents

• NPR (National Public Radio): National public radio network. Comparable as the broader public-radio architecture that RMPBS's FM stations (KUVO JAZZ, THE DROP) plug into, with shared member-funded economics, though NPR is national and primarily a content creator/distributor.
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS): National PBS network of which RMPBS is a member station. Directly comparable as the platform providing the programming, branding, and standards that RMPBS distributes, with overlapping public-affairs and educational content mission.

Regional players

• Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB): Statewide nonprofit public broadcaster serving Oregon. Closely comparable to RMPBS in scale, governance model, multi-channel TV + radio + digital distribution, and reliance on individual giving and corporate underwriting.
• KUNC (Northern Colorado Public Radio): NPR member station serving Northern Colorado and Capitol News Alliance partner. Comparable as a regional public radio nonprofit with similar donor/sustaining-member model, though smaller and radio-only relative to RMPBS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rmpbs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-pbs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Network (RMPBS)