Left to right: Audrey Martinez, Secretary, Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman, Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Joseph Maarango, Culture Seat Member, Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Rich LeRoy, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Representative, FNX Operating Board; Running Bear Ramirez, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Representative, FNX Operating Board; (back) Dr. Gilbert Contreras, President, San Bernardino Valley College; (front) Dr. Diana Z Rodriguez, Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District; Frank Reyes, Trustee, San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees; Dr. Nathan D. Gonzales, Board Vice Chair, San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees; Connie Leyva, Executive Director, KVCR; Jose F. Torres, Executive Vice Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District.

Grant funding to provide free streaming app for Native American content

San Bernardino News Daily November 20, 2024

San Bernardino-based KVCR and the First Nations Experience Network (FNX) have received a $1.5 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians last week to launch a free streaming app exclusively for Native American content.

San Manuel presented a check to KVCR and FNX officials during a donation ceremony Nov. 14. The funding will allow FNX to purchase broadcast rights and hire production staff.

San Manuel is a founding partner with KVCR and the San Bernardino Community College District for the FNX television channel, whose launch in 2011 opened doors for a first-of-its-kind media platform designed to promote Native American and Indigenous programming. FNX remains the only free national channel featuring Native storytellers, children’s programming, newsmakers, filmmakers, producers, entertainers, musicians, sports leaders, and other media professionals.

FNX has won three Emmy Awards for its programming and is currently watched by a national audience in 32 states. FNX livestreaming is available as a mobile app as well as through broadcast outlets.