SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Twin Cities PBS announced on Monday, Aug. 17 that it will become Minnesota PBS on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, with the addition of KSMQ, extending regional and national PBS programming to nearly 350,000 new viewers, including those in Austin, Rochester, Winona, and throughout seven southern Minnesota counties.
According to their press release, the transition to Minnesota PBS comes just over a year after the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting in July 2025. Without that funding, it had become increasingly possible that KSMQ would go dark after more than 50 years on the air. The introduction of Minnesota PBS will prevent the closure, preserving public media in southern Minnesota and maintaining news and local shows for communities throughout the region. In addition to continuing local programs, Minnesota PBS will provide southern Minnesota viewers with dependable access to more options than before, including regional and national PBS programming, legislative coverage, children’s content from PBS KIDS, and critical health and safety alerts.
“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,” said Sylvia Strobel, Twin Cities PBS President and CEO. “Minnesota PBS will be a trusted neighbor to every community it reaches – a welcoming and accessible local news and entertainment source that belongs to all of its viewers.”
“KSMQ has informed, inspired, and strengthened the cultural fabric of the communities we serve for generations and our transition to join Minnesota PBS ensures that we will deliver trusted, local programming for years to come,” said Chairwoman Kathleen Harrington of the KSMQ Board of Directors. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our viewers, members, and donors. This transition honors your long history of support by ensuring ongoing access to public broadcasting for our communities.”
Beginning Sept. 1, Minnesota PBS will operate under its new name across all its broadcast channels in the expanded service area. At that time, viewers will find more information about the organization at MinnesotaPBS.org.
More information about Minnesota PBS and the upcoming transition can be found at TPT.org/MinnesotaPBS.