The transition marks a pivotal shift for the organization, which has operated as Twin Cities PBS for decades. Facing the potential closure of KSMQ—a station that has served its audience for over 50 years—the merger ensures that local news, PBS KIDS content, and legislative coverage remain accessible to viewers in Rochester, Winona, and Austin. The initiative effectively bridges the gap left by the loss of federal support, centralizing resources to maintain a consistent broadcast footprint.
Twin Cities PBS Rebrands as Minnesota PBS to Save Southern Stations
After the 2025 termination of federal public broadcasting grants, a collapse in local media coverage threatened the airwaves in southern Minnesota. By absorbing the Austin-based KSMQ station, the newly rebranded Minnesota PBS aims to secure regional programming for nearly 350,000 residents across seven counties beginning September 1.
Sylvia Strobel, President and CEO of the organization, emphasized that the new identity reflects a statewide mission rather than a localized one. Beyond preserving existing content, the network intends to leverage its expanded reach to provide critical health and safety alerts alongside its standard programming. The Minnesota Channel, a statewide service currently managed by the Twin Cities office, will continue to anchor the network’s regional output under the new banner.
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