Twin Cities PBS No More: Rebrands Statewide, Adds KSMQ-TV
Big Change Coming: Twin Cities PBS Becomes "Minnesota PBS" This September
Quick Summary: Starting September 1, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is changing its name to Minnesota PBS and adding a southern Minnesota TV station (KSMQ-TV) to its family. This means more communities—like Austin, Rochester, and Winona—will get PBS programming, and it helps save a beloved local station from going off the air.
What’s Happening?
On Monday, Twin Cities PBS announced a major update:
- New Name: "Minnesota PBS" (easier to remember, right?)
- Start Date: September 1
- New Partner: KSMQ-TV in southern Minnesota joins the team
This isn’t just a name change—it’s an expansion that brings public broadcasting to more people across the state.
Where Will Minnesota PBS Reach?
Thanks to adding KSMQ-TV, the new Minnesota PBS will now serve these southern Minnesota communities:
- Austin
- Rochester
- Winona
- And several other nearby towns
Before: Mostly the Twin Cities metro area
After: A much bigger chunk of the state—north to south!
Why Is This Happening Now?
The Big Reason: Federal Funding Cuts
The Trump administration decided to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting nationwide.
That put KSMQ-TV—a station that’s served southern Minnesota for over 50 years—at risk of going off the air completely.
The Solution: Team Up!
Twin Cities PBS stepped in to acquire KSMQ-TV, bringing it under the new "Minnesota PBS" umbrella.
This partnership saves KSMQ and ensures local programming continues for generations.
What Leaders Are Saying
Sylvia Strobel, President & CEO of Twin Cities PBS:
"As a public media organization, Minnesota PBS will be dedicated to reflecting and serving communities across the state while celebrating the local perspectives that make each community unique."Kathleen Harrington, Chair of the KSMQ Board of Directors:
"KSMQ has informed, inspired, and strengthened the cultural fabric of the communities we serve for generations… this transition ensures that we will deliver trusted, local programming for years to come."Both emphasize: This is about you—the viewers, members, and donors who’ve supported public TV for decades.
What This Means for You (In Simple Terms)
| If you live in… | What changes for you |
|---|---|
| Twin Cities metro | Same great PBS shows, now under a new statewide name |
| Southern MN (Austin, Rochester, Winona, etc.) | You get PBS! KSMQ stays on air, now backed by a bigger network |
| All Minnesotans | More local stories, more shared programming, one stronger public media family |
How It Works: Step by Step
- September 1 arrives – The name officially changes to Minnesota PBS
- KSMQ-TV joins the network – Southern MN gets full PBS access
- Programming expands – More local news, kids’ shows, documentaries, and culture
- Funding stabilizes – Combined resources help weather federal cuts
- You keep watching – Same channel numbers, same trusted content, bigger reach
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Name change: Twin Cities PBS → Minnesota PBS (effective Sept. 1)
- Expansion: KSMQ-TV in southern MN joins the network
- Communities gained: Austin, Rochester, Winona + more
- Why now: Federal funding cuts threatened KSMQ’s survival
- Result: Stronger, statewide public media that serves everyone
Summary
Minnesota PBS is being born on September 1—a united, statewide public media network formed when Twin Cities PBS welcomes KSMQ-TV into the family.
This move saves a 50-year community institution, expands PBS to southern Minnesota, and creates a stronger voice for local stories across the state.
It’s a win for viewers, a win for local journalism, and a win for public media in Minnesota.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will my channel number change?
Nope! You’ll still tune in the same way. Only the name on screen changes.
What happens to my favorite shows?
They stay. All your PBS favorites—Masterpiece, Nova, Frontline, kids’ programming—aren’t going anywhere. You might even get more local content.
Is this only because of federal funding cuts?
Mostly, yes. The cuts sped things up, but leaders say this merger makes sense long-term—creating a stronger, more sustainable network for all Minnesotans.
Can I still donate to my local station?
Absolutely. Donations still go to support your community’s programming. Now they just help a bigger statewide mission, too.
Where can I learn more?
Visit the official site: discover.tpt.org/pages/MinnesotaPBS
Welcome to the new era of public broadcasting in Minnesota—where every community has a seat at the table.