MAY/JUNE 2026
A WORD FROM OUR CEO, JACK GIBSON
For more than 65 years, AZPM has been Southern Arizona’s trusted source for storytelling, education, and thoughtful journalism — and it’s all made possible by members like you.
Your support powers everything we do, from national PBS and NPR programs to local productions that reflect the stories of our community. Today, that support matters more than ever. Recent federal funding cuts have ended a longstanding source of annual support we relied on to sustain essential public media services. This permanent change makes the generosity of viewers and listeners like you more vital than ever.
Because of you, AZPM continues to deliver award-winning local storytelling, trusted news and civic dialogue, educational resources for families, and shared experiences that bring Southern Arizona together.
In this special edition of The Exchange, we celebrate the impact of your support. Thank you for helping to keep public media strong, resilient, and accessible for generations to come.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Honoring America’s Heroes
The National Memorial Day Concert is one of our most anticipated annual events and a powerful way to mark the meaning of the holiday. Broadcast from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the concert blends music, stories, and tribute in an evening that resonates with viewers across generations as it honors the fallen.
Through music, archival footage, and dramatic readings, we reflect the breadth of our nation’s military history while keeping the focus firmly on the individuals behind it. Both uplifting and reflective, the National Memorial Day Concert is a way we can all celebrate the enduring spirit of service and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
National Memorial Day Concert premieres Sunday, May 24.
Visit our online schedule at tv.azpm.org/schedules.
Watch live or stream with the PBS app.
National Memorial Day Concert
Because of You: Local Stories Thrive
AZPM is more than a television and radio station — it reflects Southern Arizona’s people, culture, and stories, all made possible by member support. Programs like Arizona Illustrated, The Press Room, and AZPM original documentaries bring local voices and experiences to life.
These productions spark conversation, preserve regional history, and strengthen community connections. Your membership ensures these stories continue to be told. Thank you for making this work possible.
We love AZPM! Thank you for your exceptional programming! — Katie, Vail
Stream Your Favorites
AZPM Passport is the ultimate member benefit, giving you extended access to PBS favorites anytime, anywhere. Binge your favorite MASTERPIECE series like Downton Abbey, All Creatures Great & Small, and Miss Scarlet, plus Ken Burns films.
Now, stream all six seasons of Downton Abbey through Passport, before Seasons 1–3 are rebroadcast Sundays on PBS starting May 17.
With AZPM Passport, you can watch on demand, catch up on iconic series, and enjoy your favorite shows at your convenience.
Visit tv.azpm.org/downtonabbey to start watching.
Downton Abbey
AZPM and its radio and TV programs are my constant companions for early morning and into the night hours. — Charles, Tucson
Made Possible by You: AZPM Podcasts
With community support, AZPM’s growing podcast lineup delivers local stories, daily news, and in-depth conversations to listeners wherever they are.
Programs like Arizona Spotlight, Arizona Science, Navigating Our Financial Times, and Extempore explore culture, science, public affairs, and the arts while offering deeper context on the issues shaping Southern Arizona.
Because of your membership, these accessible conversations keep our community informed, engaged, and connected anytime, anywhere.
Visit azpm.org/podcasts to start listening.
We truly enjoy your NPR broadcasting as well as the shows available on Passport.
— Rik and Carol, Tucson
Powered by You: Local Productions
Thanks to the support of our community, AZPM continues to produce local programs that reflect the people, culture, and stories of Southern Arizona.
From Arizona Illustrated and The Press Room to AZPM News Daily, Hollywood at Home, New Frontiers, and State of the Arts, these productions inform, connect, and inspire. Through original documentaries and specials, your membership helps preserve the stories that define our region and share them with future generations.
Your membership powers trusted reporting and original content that connects our community every day.
Visit tv.azpm.org/originals to start watching.
A Nation Examined
As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, NPR and stations like AZPM present America In Pursuit, a series exploring the nation’s enduring quest for life, liberty, and happiness.
Part of the America250 project, the series highlights historically significant sites and offers perspective on the past while examining the ongoing pursuit of these founding ideals.
Listen for stories every Tuesday on AZPM Radio, catch up via NPR podcasts, or visit npr.org/americainpursuit.
America in Pursuit
Supporting AZPM is my way of investing in our community
— Ray, Sierra Vista
Built with You: Engagement & Outreach
Membership support makes AZPM a gathering place for Southern Arizona. Through free public screenings, panel discussions, and year-round community events, neighbors connect with local journalism, storytelling, and educational programming.
These shared experiences foster meaningful dialogue, expand access to learning, and strengthen civic engagement across our region. Because of your generosity, AZPM continues to serve as a trusted community resource where ideas, culture, and connection thrive.
To learn more, visit azpm.org/events.
I give to keep my Passport membership, and to support my local PBS station.— Kathryn, Tucson
Your Support Inspires Others
Public Media Giving Days — May 1–2 — celebrate the essential role that local public media plays in communities across the country and right here in Southern Arizona. This two‑day digital event is all about raising awareness, inspiring generosity, and highlighting the impact AZPM has on the people it serves.
By participating, you help strengthen public media’s future and broaden the community conversation about why trusted, independent media matters. Together, we can ensure AZPM remains strong, accessible, and deeply rooted in the region we call home.
Because of members like you:
- Children have access to safe, high‑quality educational programming
- Local journalism remains independent, reliable, and community‑focused
- Southern Arizona’s stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated
- Cultural programming continues to connect generations
- Educational outreach reaches thousands of families
Your Legacy, AZPM’s Future
Including AZPM in your estate planning or long-term charitable goals helps ensure future generations continue to benefit from trusted news and inspiring storytelling.
You can also support AZPM through IRA or Donor Advised Fund contributions. Qualified charitable distributions may provide tax benefits while strengthening public media in Southern Arizona.
To learn more about ways to support AZPM visit support.azpm.org/ways.
You Keep AZPM Strong!
We hope this newsletter has shown how your support helps keep trusted public media strong in Southern Arizona. Your membership connects you to a community that believes in access to education, reliable journalism, and meaningful storytelling for everyone.
As we look ahead, your continued support ensures that AZPM can remain a trusted source of news, culture, and learning for our region. Whether you’re renewing your membership today, making an additional gift, or becoming a sustaining monthly donor, every step you take helps keep this service available to all.
Public media belongs to the community that supports it. Because you rely on AZPM, AZPM relies on you.
Thank you for being a part of our family.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Amplify your ongoing financial support to AZPM by making a special contribution that goes above and beyond your membership.
Your tax-deductible support ensures that AZPM can continue to be your source for news and entertainment now and in the months to come.
To ensure the future of television, radio, digital media, and educational services that change lives for the better, we need the ongoing support of members like you. Onetime membership fees aren’t nearly enough to cover the rising costs of providing quality public media in Southern Arizona — we rely on additional gifts from caring friends like you.
To give today, simply click the “Donate Today” button to send your gift. If you prefer, you can also visit azpm.org/exchange to give online, or call (520) 621-1600.