Home / Business and Economy / Paycom CEO's $500K Gift Aids OETA Amid Veto
Paycom CEO's $500K Gift Aids OETA Amid Veto
9 May
Summary
- Paycom CEO's foundation donated $500,000 to OETA.
- Governor vetoed a funding extension for OETA.
- Donation represents 17% of OETA's 2026 fiscal year funding.
A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced a $500,000 donation to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA). This gift follows Governor Kevin Stitt's veto of a bill intended to extend OETA's funding.
The Richison Family Foundation's grant is designed to support OETA's public media services, such as PBS KIDS programming and emergency alerts. This donation constitutes 17% of OETA's allocated $2.95 million for fiscal year 2026, highlighting the vital role of underwriting for public broadcasting.
Governor Stitt vetoed Senate Bill 1461, which would have extended OETA's operating mandate until July 1, 2031. The veto, citing opposition to taxpayer-subsidized public broadcasting, places OETA's future operations at risk if the veto is not overridden by the legislature before July 1.
OETA, which has been broadcasting since 1956, reaches all 77 counties and serves over 650,000 viewers weekly. The organization encourages Oklahomans to express their support for continued public television services to their legislators.
