FNX, Indigenous TV Network, Approved for Satellite Carriage

First Nations Experience, the only public TV network in the country dedicated to Native American and World Indigenous content, has been approved as a full-time channel on the Public Television Interconnect System with a satellite launch date of Nov. 1. Public stations across the country will soon have satellite access to FNX after the Public Television Interconnection Committee approved the FNX request at the recent PBS Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Alfredo Cruz, KVCR/FNX General Manager said, “This is an historic moment for public television.” Cruz noted that while FNX complies with PBS standards for high-quality, creative and innovative content that educates, enlightens and entertains, he said “it’s also a rare opportunity for public stations across the country to put a 24/7, full-time channel on their airwaves that makes a significant impact on their local communities. FNX delivers a rich diversity of programming that is unavailable anywhere else.” Focusing on Native American and World Indigenous cultures, the only national full-time public television network to do so, FNX documents the positive and real lives of Native American and Indigenous peoples through programs including drama, comedy, lifestyle, sports, music, art, dance, politics, news, public affairs, cooking, health, animation, fitness, talk shows, nature, gardening and children’s programming. The non-commercial channel will also feature TV series, feature films, documentaries, short films and public service announcements. Each program reflects a true voice of Native American and Indigenous people from around the world. FNX was created at KVCR Public Television in San Bernardino, through a gift from founding partners the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and went on the Air Sept. 25, 2011. Locally, FNX can be seen on KVCR’s Digital channel 24.2, on Direct TV channel 24-2 and on Verizon FIOS channel 471. FNX is currently carried by stations broadcasting to nine states from Alaska to Illinois, including the major metro areas of Chicago and Los Angeles, with the upcoming satellite distribution making FNX available to public television stations in all 50 states. FNX is working with PBS on signal delivery to their uplink site, and finalizing agreement terms. Tier-based subscription fees for stations interested in carrying FNX are being developed.