KMOS PBS

What KMOS PBS does

KMOS PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting television station licensed to and operated by the University of Central Missouri, headquartered in Warrensburg, MO. Founded in 1979, the station delivers free over-the-air commercial-free programming across four digital channels — KMOS PBS 6.1 (HD primary), Create 6.2 (lifestyle), Emerge 6.3 (documentaries and international news), and PBS KIDS 6.4 (children's educational content) — reaching nearly 1 million people across more than 172,000 households in central Missouri, including Sedalia, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Warrensburg. The technical infrastructure includes 35,040 broadcast hours annually, with 47 hours per week dedicated to children's programming, and distribution via the PBS App across smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, mobile devices, plus cable, satellite, and streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Local Now.

The station's business model is a diversified non-profit funding stack that historically included federal funding via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (~40% of operating budget, $1.1 million annually before July 2025), individual membership donations ($8/month or $96/year minimum starting January 2026, including KMOS Passport streaming), corporate underwriting from local businesses, planned/bequest giving through the UCM Foundation, vehicle donations, and IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions. Its customer base is segmented into central Missouri families with children, educators and students using PBS LearningMedia, general central Missouri viewers, and corporate underwriters (local SMBs, arts organizations, and educational institutions). The educational programs include KMOS Classroom, the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, Indie Lens Pop-Up film screenings, and Be My Neighbor Day community events.

The 2025 Rescission Act eliminated KMOS's federal funding stream, prompting active restructuring: a membership price increase (the first in over a decade), the 'One in a Million' campaign to reach 10,000 supporters, and expanded streaming distribution. The station relies on the PBS network's brand equity (most trusted institution in America for 21 consecutive years) and its Emergency Alert System role as a regulatory moat. It is governed by the UCM Board of Governors, with a 14-person staff led by Director Josh Tomlinson.

Name

KMOS PBS

Legal name

KMOS TV

Website

https://kmos.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KMOS PBS is a non-profit public television station operated by the University of Central Missouri, broadcasting four channels of free educational programming to ~1 million people across central Missouri, funded by memberships, corporate underwriting, and philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Television Broadcasting

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

Public/Community Local Stations (PBS Member Stations, Community Radio, LPFM) (MPABACAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Broadcasting Content Distribution & Interconnection (Sat/IP feeds) (MPABADAI)

Keywords

• Public television broadcasting
• Educational television programming
• Community media services
• Broadcast television channels
• Children's educational content

Headquarters

HQ city

Warrensburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership/Donations: Individual viewer donations through monthly sustaining memberships ($8/month starting Jan 2026, or $96/year) and one-time gifts. KMOS Passport streaming access included with membership. First major membership increase in over a decade effective January 2026.
2. Corporate Underwriting/Sponsorship: Underwriting and sponsorship packages for program series, community initiatives, and documentaries. Target audience described as educated, affluent, and community-involved. Media kit available for download.
3. Federal Funding (Rescinded): In July 2025, Congress passed the Recissions Act eliminating $1.1 million in previously approved federal funding for public media through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Federal funding represented nearly 40% of KMOS's annual operating budget.
4. Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donation program through Careasy.org partnership for vehicle, boat, or RV donations.
5. IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions: Tax-efficient giving option for donors 70.5+ years old to make QCDs from IRAs directly to KMOS-TV. Can satisfy Required Minimum Distributions for those 73+.
6. Planned/Bequest Giving: Planned giving through wills, living trusts, donor-advised funds, life insurance beneficiary designations, and retirement asset beneficiary designations. Federal Tax ID: 43-1181566.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KMOS PBS operates four 24/7 digital broadcast channels — KMOS 6.1 (general programming and children's education), Create 6.2 (lifestyle/how-to content), Emerge 6.3 (documentaries and international news), and PBS KIDS 6.4 (educational children's programming) — distributed free over-the-air across central Missouri and via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms. The station offers a member-supported Passport streaming service, locally produced programming such as 'Making' and 'KMOS Classroom', PBS LearningMedia educational resources, and recurring community events like the Writers Contest, Be My Neighbor Day, and Indie Lens Pop-Up screenings.

Product overview

KMOS PBS operates as a multi-channel public media broadcasting organization serving central Missouri, comprising four core broadcast channels (KMOS PBS 6.1, Create 6.2, Emerge 6.3, and PBS KIDS 6.4) distributed over-the-air, via cable/satellite, and through streaming platforms including the PBS App. The flagship KMOS PBS 6.1 delivers high-definition programming spanning drama, arts, science, history, and news, while KMOS Create 6.2 focuses on lifestyle content. KMOS Emerge 6.3 provides international perspective through global news feeds, and PBS KIDS 6.4 offers round-the-clock educational children's programming. The KMOS Passport add-on membership enables on-demand streaming access to PBS content libraries. Supporting the broadcast platform are educational initiatives including PBS LearningMedia, KMOS Classroom instructional programming, the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, Be My Neighbor Day community events, and Indie Lens Pop-Up film screenings. The organization also partners with third-party streaming distribution services including Prime Video, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Local Now, and integrates with Double the Donation for corporate matching gifts. Together these components form a unified public media platform combining broadcast television, digital streaming, educational resources, and community engagement programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KMOS PBS 6.1 Primary high-definition broadcast service for general audiences offering drama, arts, music, how-to, science, nature, travel, history, biography, news, and public affairs programming, including 47 hours of weekly children's programming, distributed free over-the-air across central Missouri.
• KMOS Create 6.2 24/7 lifestyle programming broadcast channel featuring quilting, sewing, home repair, travel, and cooking content, distributed free over-the-air across central Missouri.
• KMOS Emerge 6.3 Broadcast channel offering dramas, documentaries, and international news programming including France 24, NHK Newsline, and Indian Country Today, distributed free over-the-air across central Missouri.
• PBS KIDS 6.4 24/7 children's educational programming broadcast channel with content for children and families, distributed free over-the-air across central Missouri.
• KMOS Passport Member-based on-demand streaming subscription service providing instant access to an extended library of PBS programs, included with an annual $96 donation or monthly $8 sustaining membership.
• PBS LearningMedia Free digital educational platform providing standards-aligned videos, interactives, and lesson plans for teachers, students, and parents, accessible through the KMOS PBS LearningMedia portal.
• KMOS Streaming (PBS App) Free streaming platform providing access to all KMOS broadcast channels plus NHK World via the PBS App on smart TVs, Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and mobile devices.
• Making Original KMOS PBS local documentary series showcasing artisans, makers, and craftspeople across Missouri, exploring creative processes and artistic traditions.
• KMOS Classroom Educational broadcast and digital programming initiative providing instructional content for K-12 schools and distance learning, used by teachers and students across the central Missouri region.
• Corporate Underwriting and Sponsorship Sponsorship and underwriting package sales for program series, community initiatives, and documentaries, targeting local businesses, organizations, and foundations seeking association with PBS's educated and affluent central Missouri audience.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 1 million people reached across central Missouri in more than 172,000 households
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Central MissouricoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner and operator of KMOS-TV. University of Central Missouri Board of Governors provides governance. Station operates from UCM campus in Warrensburg, MO. UCM provides institutional support and student professional development opportunities through the station.
• Murdock Banner Financial GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for Antiques Roadshow program series. Located in Warrensburg, MO.
• Reed & Sons JewelersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for Antiques Roadshow program series. Located in Sedalia, MO.
• State Historical Society of MissouriminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for Finding Your Roots program series.
• Show-Me America 250minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUnderwriter for Ken Burns - The American Revolution documentary series.
• Satin Stitches Sewing & EmbroideryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for KMOS Create 6.2 programming. Located in Columbia, MO.
• Robert Rollings Architects, LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for PBS NewsHour. Located in Sedalia, MO.
• Restoration EyecareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for PBS NewsHour. Located in Columbia, MO.
• Dody Legacy Group, LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate underwriter for PBS NewsHour. Located in Clinton, MO.
• Missouri HumanitiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGeneral support underwriter for KMOS programming.
• Missouri Holocaust Education & Awareness CommissionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgramming sponsor for Holocaust awareness and remembrance content.
• Arrow Rock Lyceum TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts partner supporting cultural programming. Located in Arrow Rock, MO.
• We Always Swing Jazz SeriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts partner supporting jazz programming. Located in Columbia, MO.
• William Woods UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts partner. Located in Fulton, MO.
• Townsquare Media (105.7 KIX FM, Awesome 92.3, KSIS 1050 AM)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Located in Sedalia, MO.
• KBIA 91.3 FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Located in Columbia, MO.
• KOPN 89.5 FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Located in Columbia, MO.
• Cumulus MediaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMedia partner providing distribution. Located in Columbia, MO.
• KJLU 88.9 FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Located in Jefferson City, MO.
• Sedalia DemocratminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner. Located in Sedalia, MO.
• The MuleskinnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner - UCM student newspaper. Located in Warrensburg, MO.
• PBScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember station of PBS network. Provides national programming content, PBS app platform, Passport streaming service, and brand association. PBS has been most trusted institution for 21 consecutive years.
• CoMoGivesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal giving platform used for community donations and fundraising campaigns.
• Missouri Valley CollegeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner venue for Indie Lens Pop-Up film screening events. Located in Marshall, MO.
• Missouri River Regional LibraryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner venue for Indie Lens Pop-Up film screening events. Located in Jefferson City, MO.
• Daniel Boone Regional LibraryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner venue for Indie Lens Pop-Up film screening events. Located in Columbia, MO.
• University of Central Missouri - Department of Communication and Digital Media ProductionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for Indie Lens Pop-Up film screening events and student professional development.
• Cable Providers (Cableamerica, CenturyLink, Charter/Spectrum, Chariton Valley, Citizens, Fidelity, Mediacom, Provincial, Suddenlink)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCable television providers distributing KMOS channels across central Missouri communities.
• Satellite Providers (DirecTV, DISH)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSatellite providers distributing KMOS channels nationally.
• Streaming Platforms (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Local Now)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStreaming subscription services carrying KMOS live channels.
• Amazon (Prime Video)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon Prime Video platform streams KMOS PBS 6.1 livestream.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• KCPT: KCPT is the PBS member station for Kansas City and acquired KMOS's former radio sister station KTBG in 2014. Closest geographic peer operating the same PBS-member-station model with multi-channel broadcast and community-supported funding.
• WETA: WETA is the PBS member station serving the Washington, D.C. area, operating multiple broadcast channels and Passport. Comparable as a non-commercial PBS affiliate with a similar funding mix of memberships, underwriting, and donations.
• WTTW: WTTW is the PBS member station for Chicago, producing local and national programming. It is directly comparable as a multi-channel PBS affiliate with member/donor funding and educational programming focus.
• WGBH: WGBH is the PBS member station for Boston and a major producer of national PBS content. It is a direct peer operating the same PBS-member-station model with multi-channel broadcast, Passport streaming, and member/donor funding.
• KCTS: KCTS (now Cascade PBS) is the PBS member station for the Pacific Northwest operating multiple channels and Passport. Comparable as a PBS-member-station with multi-platform distribution and member-funded revenue model.
• OETA: OETA is Oklahoma's statewide PBS network operating under a not-for-profit model. Comparable as a publicly-supported PBS broadcaster operating with member/donor revenue and educational programming.
• NET (Nebraska Public Media): NET (Nebraska Public Media) is a statewide PBS/NPR public media network serving a similar rural and mid-sized-community footprint. Direct peer in operating model, member/donor funding, and educational programming mission.

Broad incumbents

• PBS: PBS is the national network of which KMOS is a member station, providing the brand, programming content, and the PBS App/ Passport platform. KMOS operates within this network's standards and brand framework.
• NPR: NPR is the national public radio network, structurally analogous to PBS for public-media member stations. KMOS does not directly broadcast NPR but its operations parallel the public-media member-station model in funding and governance.
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): CPB is the umbrella organization that historically stewarded federal funding to PBS member stations including KMOS. Relevant as the upstream funder and policy actor whose decisions directly affect KMOS's revenue (e.g., the 2025 Rescissions).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KMOSTV
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwG0jMwd2dDBMtNgU9KN0NQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/kmostv
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kmos-pbs
• Instagraminstagram.com/kmostv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 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 KMOS PBS