PBS North
STORIES OF VETERANS AND IMMIGRANTS
STATION REPORT
HF 1999 Article 4 Sec. 2 Subd. 6 (e) Public Television. $5,000,000 the first year and $4,500,000 the second year are to the Minnesota Public Television Association for production and acquisition grants according to Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.18. Of the amount in the first year, $1,000,000 is for producing Minnesota military and veterans’ history stories and unique immigrant stories from around the state.
Almanac North
Premiere Date: July 12, 2024 Format: 44 x 30-minute weekly episodes
Cold War Secrets of Northern Minnesota
Description
Premiere Date: In Production Format: 1 x 60-minute documentary
Almanac North is a public affairs program dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of the people, policies, and issues that shape life in the Northland. The program delivers insightful
Almanac North Hosts
Description
discussions, expert analysis, and compelling storytelling focused on topics that matter to the communities of northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Through a mix of interviews, feature stories, and panel discussions, Almanac North informs, educates, and engages viewers by examining regional news, economic trends, cultural events, and policy decisions with a local perspective.
Cold War Secrets of Northern Minnesota is a one-hour broadcast documentary. At the height of the Cold War, northern Minnesota found itself on the front lines of this global conflict. To reach America’s heartland, the Soviet Union had to fly over the North Pole and through our airspace. In Cold War Secrets of Northern Minnesota , you’ll meet Cold War heroes like Ray Klosowski, Jim Chapman, and Ronald Hein. You’ll visit military sites in Duluth, French River, and Finland. And you’ll learn how the constant threat of nuclear annihilation affected everyone in northern Minnesota, America, and the world.
Impact
Almanac North continues to serve as a trusted source for civic dialogue and community connection in northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Aimed at adults 26–45 and broader regional audiences, the program fosters understanding of local issues, encourages informed participation in civic life, and amplifies diverse community voices. Viewer feedback, social media engagement, and community partnerships demonstrate strong audience trust and reliance on the program for balanced regional coverage. Its sustained weekly viewership and consistent community response confirm that Almanac North strengthens civic awareness and reinforces PBS North’s role as an essential regional storyteller.
Impact
Cold War Secrets of Northern Minnesota will deeply impact Northern Minnesota communities by fostering pride in the region’s unique role in national defense history. It enhances historical awareness and offers valuable educational resources for schools and museums, helping future generations connect with the past. The documentary might also boost local tourism by drawing history enthusiasts to sites like Duluth, French River, and Finland. Featuring local veterans’ stories, it creates opportunities to honor and recognize their contributions, strengthening community bonds. By placing local history within a global context, the project encourages thoughtful community dialogue on international relations and security, connecting Minnesota’s history to broader world events.
Distribution & Reach
Platform
Reach (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)
Events and Engagement
Broadcast
44 episodes broadcast | 96 hours broadcast
Streaming
44 episodes posted | 22 hours available | 2,592 streams
PBS North hosted a premiere event on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, during a ceremony at the Duluth Depot. Filmmaker Mike Scholz and key figure in the doc Ray Klosowski, presented a portion of the documentary followed by a Q&A session.
Social Media
44 posts | 37,809 video views
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