Support Pioneer PBS today to help us continue to tell YOUR stories.
At Pioneer PBS, We Are Yours. It's our mission and we live it every day. Support Pioneer PBS to help us continue telling your stories. Become a member today: https://www.pioneer.org/supportpioneer/at pioneer.org/support/.
Pioneer PBS is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) regional public television network in Minnesota, primarily serving more than a million people in rural areas and small towns in the southwest and west central portions of the state of Minnesota, northwestern Iowa, eastern South Dakota, southwestern North Dakota and beyond. Pioneer PBS has a rich history of producing a diverse array of shows.
Postcards
History of Pioneer PBS
Learn about the rich history of your local public television station.
As a trusted and valued communicator for small towns and farming communities in rural Minnesota since 1966, Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station that has served its audience through a mix of local and national programs rich in cultural heritage, diversity and educational opportunities. We take pride in our local productions, which showcase rural artists, landmarks, tribal members, veterans, small business owners, nature, music, technology and celebrate the good and meaningful aspects of greater Minnesota.
Pioneer PBS is currently based in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Our original operations began in western Minnesota at KWCM-Appleton doing business as West Central Minnesota Educational Television Company. Operations run through Appleton (channel 10), KSMN-Worthington (channel 20) and K08QE-D Fergus Falls (channel 8), as well as by satellite and through our local livestream. KSMN, K08QE and UHF do not maintain any physical presence locally. All together we reach more than a million people in rural areas and small towns in western Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas and northern Iowa.
Pioneer PBS is honored to be your television station—the only station in western Minnesota telling your stories and raising your voices into the media landscape.
OUR MISSION
Pioneer PBS brings the world to you and lifts your voices to the world.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a forward-thinking media and technology leader whose viewers are engaged and inspired to advance rural values of cooperation, resilience and innovation.
Our Values
Pioneer PBS is committed to the values of:
• Relevance,
• Localism,
• Family,
• Diversity and Inclusion,
• Equity,
• Forward-Thinking,
• Life-Long Learning,
• Independence
• and Quality
Our programming and services are focused on the needs of our viewers. We tell stories about our region and the richness of its people. We value family as a cornerstone of our work. We engage and tell the stories of the diverse rural region we serve. We believe in fairness and justice for all people. We aspire to provocative inspiration and technological innovation. We help viewers of all ages learn and grow. We strive to keep Pioneer PBS a balanced and independent media voice. We provide excellent programming of enduring value
Postcards employs innovative storytelling techniques to showcase the art, history, and cultural heritage of western Minnesota and its surrounding areas.
Prairie Sportsman celebrates our love of the outdoor to hunt, fish and recreate and provides ways to protect our environment and restore our natural resources.
Prairie Yard & Garden offers expert gardening advice from researchers, nursery professionals, educators, and backyard gardeners in the Upper Midwest who are passionate about cultivating beautiful gardens.
Your Legislators has been connecting Minnesota citizens to their legislators since 1984 by providing a platform for them to ask their most relevant questions.
Pioneer PBS broadcasts on six digital channels, covering a wide viewing area, with the main channel being Pioneer High Definition (HD). Other channels include Pioneer Create, World, MN Channel, Pioneer PBS KIDS, and First Nations Experience (FNX). Pioneer PBS's broadcast is also available via satellite dish.
For nearly 60 years, Pioneer PBS has been proudly serving western Minnesota and beyond with trusted, local storytelling. But recent federal funding cuts have slashed 30% of our budget - threatening educational, local programming, and the essential services you rely on. If you value independent, local public media—now is the time to step up.
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