2026 Native Broadcast Summit Focuses on the Future of Tribal Media

By Kyler Edsitty

[Scottsdale, AZ, June 22, 2026] – From federal funding cuts to the loss of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), it has been a turbulent year for public media and local broadcasters. In 2025, the federal government voted to rescind funding for CPB, leading to its closure and the loss of the Community Service Grant (CSG), which local broadcasters rely on to remain operational.

As Tribal broadcasters navigate these unprecedented changes, opportunities for collaboration and professional development have become more important than ever. In this changing media landscape, gatherings that bring together Native media professionals play a critical role in ensuring the long-term future of Tribal broadcasting.

The Native Broadcast Summit is Native Public Media's flagship event and the largest gathering of Tribal and Indigenous broadcasters and media professionals serving Indian Country.  The 2026 NBS theme, “Grounded in Sovereignty. Built to Endure - a Summit For The Future of Tribal Media,” acknowledges the changing public media landscape while equipping broadcasters with the skills to thrive. The Summit is specifically for Native broadcasters and media serving Indian Country.

The first full day of the Summit began with a Keynote presentation by Kim Covington, the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Arizona Community Foundation. Covington spoke about her beginnings as a broadcaster and journalist. Her transition to the philanthropic sector. Covington stressed the importance of relationship-based philanthropy and community-centered journalism to help Native voices endure while supporting rapid response, sovereignty, and resilient communication systems.

Kim Covington, the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Arizona Community Foundation delivers Keynote Address

Each learning session at the Summit helped broadcasters strengthen their operations and build bridges with other journalists and media makers.

Grant writing and fundraising sessions assist stations in being more self-reliant and sustainable at a time when federal funding is uncertain. Other sessions explored cultural exchange and collaboration that create a more connected network of broadcasters that share content and programming. Sessions focused on federal policy to ensure broadcasters are compliant under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are up to date on emergency alerts.

KCIE General Manager Mariah Elote spoke to the effectiveness of the event.

“The 2026 Native Broadcast Summit was an integral event to take place after the federal funding rescission,” Elote stated. “It was a great way for Tribal broadcasters to reconnect and plan for the future. Each session allowed us to further connect with other stations and increase our organizational capacity. The stations left reassured of their importance in their communities and the broader public media network.” 

The Summit also encouraged Native cultural exchange by featuring Homeland Forever, a dance group from Phoenix, as performers. Their performances showcased traditional dances, music, and regalia, allowing attendees to experience and appreciate Native cultural traditions firsthand. By including Indigenous artists in the event, the Summit created a space for cultural expression, education, and community engagement.

Homeland Forever performs at the Native Broadcast Summit Cultural Night.

The Summit finished strongly with a site visit to Gila River Broadcasting Corporation, where attendees met their staff and toured their television studio. This allowed participants to see television broadcasters in action and how they serve their community. From there, attendees toured the Huhugam Heritage Center, which preserves and tells the history of the Gila River Indian Community.

Native Broadcast Summit Attendees touring Gila River Broadcasting Corporation (GRBC).

By the end of the Summit, attendees left with new knowledge, stronger connections, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing public media. The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration, cultural exchange, and ongoing learning in strengthening Tribal media. Through the discussions, workshops, and performances, it became clear that Native broadcasters are prepared to adapt to the changing media landscape while continuing to preserve and amplify Indigenous voices for future generations.

WOJB General Manager Karl Habeck spoke to the importance of the Summit.

“The Summit is always a great place to make new friends, get updates from old friends, and establish contacts with individuals who can be helpful with problem-solving,” Habeck stated. “This is part of why attending the summit is important to me.”

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