About Pioneer

Pioneer Public Television is a regional public television station serving southwest and west central Minnesota, northwestern Iowa, eastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota.

Pioneer is based in Appleton, Minnesota and operates transmitters in western Minnesota: KWCM-Appleton (Channel 10), KSMN-Worthington (Channel 20), and K49FA-Fergus Falls (Channel 49). Pioneer Public Television is a member of PBS, and is operated by the nonprofit West Central Minnesota Educational Television Company.

Since 1966, Pioneer has served its rural audience through a mix of local and national programs rich in cultural heritage, diversity and educational opportunities. Some of the station’s local programs include:

Your Legislators. For over 30 years, this program has given viewers a chance to ask state lawmakers important questions during the legislative session.
Prairie Yard and Garden, a co-production with the University of Minnesota-Morris, has for over 25 years educated viewers about plants, produce, and the beauty of the outdoors.

Postcards is Pioneer Public Television's newest local program, featuring the art, history and cultural heritage of our viewing area.

Pioneer is dedicated to programs that educate and sustain our rural communities through services that reflect our local values. Our broadcast facilities are located near Appleton, with other licensed transmitters from Worthington and Fergus Falls, Minn.

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS:
Coverage area of over 45 rural counties serving western Minn., northwestern Iowa and eastern S.D.

SUPPORT:
Individual contributions are Pioneer's single most important form of funding. Members provide the foundation necessary for us to receive matching dollars available to us from state and federal levels. Without individual support first, access to state and federal funds would be limited. Individual contributions are matched dollar for dollar to recieve the maximum amount of state money available, then, together, along with corporate support contributions are used to match federal grants.

GOVERNANCE:
West Central Minn. Educational Television Company was incorporated under the Minn. Nonprofit Corporation Act on February 10, 1959. It is registered as a 501© (3) corporation Federal Identification Number: 41-6038611.

The property and affairs of the corporation are managed and controlled by the board of directors. The Board is comprised of individuals from communities served by Pioneer Public Television and serve three year terms for a maximum of nine consecutive years. Board members are required to be current members of Pioneer. As required by law, an independent audit of the financial activities is performed on an annual basis.