OKLAHOMA CITY — Chad Richison, founder and chief executive officer of Paycom, has pledged a $500,000 grant through the Richison Family Foundation to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority. The funding announced for the public broadcaster aims to enhance broadcasting services across Oklahoma, with a specific focus on educational programming tailored for children residing in local communities throughout the state.
National platforms such as PBS KIDS average 13 million monthly users and nearly 400 million streams across digital channels, according to network figures. This digital reach remains especially vital in rural regions, where 60 percent of the audience resides in areas lacking robust internet access. Richison, who grew up in the small town of Tuttle, Oklahoma, recognized the critical importance of maintaining reliable access for children in similar underserved rural communities.
The financial support provided by the foundation will directly bolster various OETA programs, including the Oklahoma News Report and children's educational series like Molly of Denali. Research published in 2020 demonstrated that just one hour of weekly engagement with the program can lead to substantial improvements in using informational text among children originating from low-income backgrounds.
Richison stated that public broadcasting serves as an essential resource for communities while supporting a sustainable organization making a lasting impact across the state. The contribution arrives at a critical juncture to help fill a financial gap left by uncertain federal funding, which previously accounted for approximately 12 percent of the overall OETA operating budget.
Shawn Black, executive director of OETA, said the investment funded by the $500,000 contribution is both meaningful and essential for the public broadcaster. The network remains deeply grateful for committed partners like the Richison Family Foundation who firmly believe in the educational mission delivered daily to households throughout Oklahoma.
