KERA

What KERA does

KERA is a community-supported, non-profit public media organization operating under the legal name North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc. Founded in 1960 in Dallas, Texas, KERA delivers free educational, news, arts, and cultural content to North Texas audiences through a multi-platform portfolio of broadcast and digital services. The organization operates four over-the-air television channels (KERA TV 13.1, KERA Kids 13.2, KERA Create 13.3, KERA World 13.4), three radio stations (KERA FM 90.1 news, KXT 91.7 alternative music, WRR 101.1 classical), a local news division (KERA News), an arts journalism initiative (Art&Seek), and the Denton Record-Chronicle newspaper. As a 501(c)(3) public media organization, KERA is funded entirely by individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and Corporation for Public Broadcasting support, with no advertising-based revenue model. The organization is a member station of PBS and NPR, carrying national programming while producing original local journalism, documentaries, and cultural content such as the Peabody Award-winning 'The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge.'

KERA's underlying technology stack consists of traditional broadcast television and radio infrastructure augmented by digital streaming and app ecosystems. Live streaming is available worldwide via kera.org/listen with MP3 and AAC+ streams, and on-demand content is delivered through KERA Passport (a member benefit providing 1,000+ PBS episodes) accessible via the PBS Video App on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. Native mobile apps for iOS and Android provide live audio with DVR-like controls, program schedules, bookmarks, search, and sleep timer functionality. Voice-activated access via Amazon Alexa skills and distribution through TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify extend the reach beyond over-the-air broadcast. Original content production includes documentaries (e.g., 'The U.S.-Mexican War - 1846-1848' National Emmy winner), local news series (Breakthroughs, One Crisis Away), and podcasts (NTX Now, Think with Krys Boyd, When The World Comes To Texas).

The business model is structured around a community-led go-to-market approach anchored by recurring membership donations starting at $5/month or $60+/year, with Major Donor status beginning at $1,500+. KERA reaches 1.8 million+ weekly TV viewers (ranking 9th among U.S. PBS stations), 400,000+ weekly KERA FM listeners, 300,000+ weekly KXT listeners, and 600,000+ children through educational programming. The organization supports the Public Media Code of Integrity, is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and is led by President and CEO Nico Leone with a staff of more than 110 full-time employees. Customer segments include the North Texas general public, children and families, arts and culture enthusiasts, and news-informed citizens—served through a hybrid of broadcast, digital, mobile, and event-based channels.

Name

KERA

Legal name

North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Website

https://kera.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KERA is a non-profit public media organization serving North Texas through four TV channels, three radio stations (KERA FM, KXT, WRR), and digital platforms, delivering news, educational, and arts content to 1.8 million+ weekly viewers and 700,000+ weekly radio listeners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Memberships: KERA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public media organization. One hundred percent of annual funding comes from individuals, foundations, and corporations through membership donations. Members receive benefits including KERA Passport access for qualifying donation levels.
2. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorships and matching gifts from employers provide additional revenue streams. Organizations can sponsor specific programming or events.
3. Government and Foundation Grants: As a public broadcasting station, KERA may receive support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and various foundations for specific programming and initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

KERA is a community-supported nonprofit public media organization that delivers free educational television and radio programming, local journalism, arts coverage, and cultural content to North Texas audiences. It operates four TV channels (KERA TV, KERA Kids, KERA Create, KERA World) and three radio stations (KERA FM 90.1, KXT 91.7, WRR 101.1), complemented by digital streaming, on-demand video, podcasts, mobile apps, and email newsletters. Members who donate $5+ monthly or $60+ annually gain access to KERA Passport, an extended on-demand PBS content library.

Product overview

KERA is a public media organization operating as a platform of multiple broadcast and digital products. The core offerings include KERA TV (Channel 13.1) as the primary PBS member station, alongside specialized sub-channels KERA Kids 24/7 (13.2), KERA Create (13.3) for lifestyle content, and KERA World (13.4) for documentaries and news. For radio, KERA FM 90.1 serves as the news radio station carrying NPR and local programming including Think with Krys Boyd and NTX Now, while KXT 91.7 FM provides commercial-free alternative music programming. Classical music is delivered via WRR 101.1 FM. Digital add-on services include KERA Passport (on-demand streaming), KERA Mobile App for live and on-demand audio, original podcasts, email newsletters, and Alexa voice skills. KERA News provides local journalism across radio, web, and series content, while Art&Seek covers regional arts and culture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KERA TV (Channel 13.1) Primary PBS member station for North Texas, broadcasting on Channel 13.1 over-the-air and cable. Features national PBS programming including documentaries, news, and entertainment shows.
• KERA Kids 24/7 (Channel 13.2) A 24/7 collection of educational, curriculum-based children's programs from PBS KIDS available on Channel 13.2 over-the-air and via kids.kera.org.
• KERA Create (Channel 13.3) Lifestyle and how-to channel launched in 2016 offering cooking, arts & crafts, gardening, home improvement, and travel programming commercial-free.
• KERA World (Channel 13.4) Documentary, public affairs, and news programming channel available 24/7 on Channel 13.4 featuring award-winning non-fiction content including PBS NEWSHOUR, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and documentary series.
• KERA FM 90.1 Public radio news station serving North Texas since 1974, airing NPR programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, plus local shows including Think with Krys Boyd and NTX Now. Broadcasts on 90.1 FM Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton, 88.3 FM Wichita Falls, 100.1 FM Tyler, and 99.3 FM Sherman.
• KXT 91.7 FM Commercial-free alternative music station launched in 2009, supporting local artists with a mix of new, local, and legendary music. Ranks among top-10 most-listened-to Triple-A public radio stations with 300,000 weekly listeners.
• WRR 101.1 FM Classical music radio station in North Texas under North Texas Public Broadcasting, providing classical programming to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
• KERA News Local North Texas news division providing coverage via KERA FM radio, keranews.org website, and news series including Breakthroughs and One Crisis Away. More than one-third of members cite KERA as their primary news source.
• KERA Passport On-demand streaming library providing KERA and PBS members extended access to programs including MASTERPIECE dramas, Ken Burns Collection, Nature, Austin City Limits, and over 1,000 episodes. Available with $60+ annual or $5+ monthly donation. Accessible via PBS Video App on streaming devices and web browsers.
• KERA Television Productions Award-winning original television productions documenting Texas and Southwest culture, history, and current events. Includes ongoing series like The Shape of Texas and Frame of Mind, and past productions spanning documentaries on local history, music, civil rights, and public affairs.
• Art&Seek KERA's arts journalism initiative launched in 2008, providing award-winning coverage on air and online at artandseek.org. Includes the region's largest interactive arts event calendar connecting North Texans to art and culture and showcasing local artists and 4,000+ arts organizations.
• Think with Krys Boyd KERA's original daily topic-driven interview and call-in program covering history, politics, current events, science, technology, and culture. Broadcasts Monday-Friday, Noon-1pm and 8pm-9pm.
• NTX Now North Texas Now - local news and culture show featuring hosts Ron Corning and Miranda Suarez, creating space for community conversations and highlighting arts and culture in the North Texas region. Available as podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and RSS.
• KERA Podcasts Podcast offerings including original shows NTX Now, Think with Krys Boyd, When The World Comes To Texas, After the Flood, Tiempo Tranquilo, and Gun Play. Also distributes national NPR and PBS podcasts.
• KERA Mobile App Mobile application allowing users to listen to KERA live, pause and rewind live audio, view program schedules for KERA 90.1 and KXT 91.7, access on-demand content, bookmark shows, search public radio stories, and use sleep timer and alarm clock features. Available free for iPhone and Android.
• KERA Alexa Skills Amazon Alexa voice-activated skills enabling hands-free access to KERA radio. Users can say 'Alexa, ask KERA to listen live' for 24/7 live stream or 'Alexa, ask KERA to get the news' for the latest newscast. Free skill available in the Amazon Alexa Skills store.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.8 million weekly TV viewers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• NPR (National Public Radio)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA is an NPR member station carrying national programming including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, and distributing NPR content to North Texas audiences. KERA also co-produces Think with NPR distribution support.
• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA is a PBS member station carrying national public television programming. KERA has produced original content for PBS distribution and provides access to PBS content including Masterpiece, Ken Burns Collection, and PBS NewsHour.
• KXT 91.7 FMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKXT is a commercial-free music radio station under the same parent organization (NTPB). Launched in 2009, KXT serves as an alternative music station with 300,000+ weekly listeners.
• WRR 101.1 FMsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWRR is a classical music radio station operated by NTPB (KERA's parent organization), serving North Texas with classical music programming and concerts.
• Dallas Symphony OrchestrasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA has co-produced programming with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra including 'Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Bernstein, Barber and Beethoven' and 'Amazing Music' featuring Music Director Andrew Litton.
• Texas Society of ArchitectssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA co-produced 'The Shape of Texas' video series based on a radio program created by the Texas Society of Architects and South Texas Public Broadcasting System.
• The Texas Newsroom (NPR Collaboration)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA participates in The Texas Newsroom collaboration with NPR and public radio stations across Texas, producing statewide content including 'Oye Texas' newsletter.
• G. William Jones Film and Video Collection at SMU LibrariessupportingOthersKERA archive is housed at SMU Libraries in Dallas as part of moving image preservation and research. Climate-controlled storage facility maintains archival footage available for preview or license inquiries.
• Communities Foundation of TexassupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of North Texas Giving Day, an annual community-wide online giving event that multiplies donations with bonus funds and prizes. KERA participates annually.
• Art&Seek Partners (4,000+ arts organizations)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA's Art&Seek initiative connects North Texans to arts events and showcases local artists through the region's largest interactive arts event calendar.
• Van Cliburn FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerKERA has co-produced multiple documentaries about the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition including 'The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge' (Peabody Award winner) and 'Concerto with James Conlon'.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production of 'Texas: The State of Water' documentary with Texas Parks and Wildlife television series producers.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights14 records

Direct peers

• KQED: KQED is the PBS and NPR member station for the San Francisco Bay Area, operating multiple TV channels, radio stations, and digital platforms. Highly comparable to KERA in scope: multi-platform public broadcaster with educational, news, and arts programming serving a major U.S. metro market.
• WBUR: WBUR is Boston's NPR member station and one of the largest public radio stations in the U.S. Comparable to KERA FM as a top-tier public radio news station with significant audience reach and original local programming.
• KPBS: KPBS is the PBS and NPR member station for San Diego, operating TV, radio, and digital platforms. Comparable to KERA as a regional public broadcaster operating a multi-platform nonprofit media model in a major U.S. metro.
• WNYC Studios: WNYC is New York City's flagship public radio station and produces nationally distributed podcasts. Comparable to KERA FM as a major public radio station with strength in news, talk programming, and original podcast production.
• GBH (WGBH): GBH is the PBS member station for Boston and one of the largest public media producers in the U.S., producing content distributed nationally. Comparable to KERA as a major-market PBS station with significant original production capabilities and multi-platform distribution.
• WETA: WETA is the PBS member station serving the Washington, D.C. area, operating multiple TV and radio stations plus PBS distribution. Comparable to KERA as a major-market PBS/NPR member station with national content production profile.
• WAMU 88.5: WAMU is the NPR member station serving Washington, D.C. Comparable to KERA FM as a major-market public radio news station with strong local journalism and national NPR programming distribution.
• WTTW: WTTW is the PBS member station for Chicago, operating multiple TV channels and original production. Directly comparable to KERA as a regional PBS member station with multi-channel broadcast and original content production focus.
• Minnesota Public Radio (MPR): Minnesota Public Radio is a major NPR member station network serving the Twin Cities and broader region. Comparable to KERA FM as a large public radio operation with strong audience share, original programming, and multi-channel distribution.

Broad incumbents

• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): PBS is the national public television network of which KERA is a member station. PBS provides the national programming foundation (Masterpiece, Ken Burns, PBS NewsHour) that KERA distributes, and operates the PBS Video App where KERA Passport content is available.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ntxnow
• Facebookfacebook.com/kerantxnow
• Instagraminstagram.com/keratx
• Xx.com/keratx

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries10 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 KERA