Twin Cities PBS Is Changing Its Name: Here's Why

ST. PAUL, MN — Twin Cities PBS will become Minnesota PBS starting Sept. 1, the start of its new fiscal year, as part of an expansion that folds in viewers from southern Minnesota's KSMQ, the organization announced Monday.

The name change comes after recent cuts to federal funding put KSMQ, which has broadcast in southern Minnesota for more than 50 years, at risk of going off the air, according to a message from Twin Cities PBS President and CEO Sylvia Strobel sent to supporters.

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By bringing KSMQ into the newly named Minnesota PBS, the organization says it will help ensure continued access to PBS programming, PBS Kids, educational resources, and emergency information for nearly 350,000 viewers who otherwise could have lost the service.

Once the transition is complete, Minnesota PBS says it will reach 87 percent of households across the state.

"While our name is changing, our mission isn't," Strobel wrote, adding that the organization will continue offering the same programming, local stories and educational content while extending service to more Minnesotans.