Message from the President of the MPTA
Dear Legacy Committee and Department of Administration Members:
On behalf of all of us at the Minnesota Public Television Association (MPTA), thank you for your continued support through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Your decision to invest in public media makes a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans, helping us share stories that educate, inspire, and connect people across our state. The programs we create reflect Minnesota’s diversity, resilience, and creativity. They honor the past, celebrate the present, and foster understanding for the future. Thanks to your support, and through strong collaboration with the communities we serve, we’ve been able to bring a wide variety of meaningful programming to nearly every corner of the state. For example:
• At KSMQ in Austin, KSMQ & A tackled the pressing issue of rising drug problems in local communities, offering prevention strategies and practical resources that empower viewers to make informed choices.
• Pioneer PBS , located in Granite Falls, preserves the voices of veterans from WWII and Vietnam, helping younger generations connect to history in a way that is personal and deeply human. • Lakeland PBS , in Bemidji, highlights the beauty of Minnesota’s outdoors, from fly fishing in Itasca State Park to the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway, inspiring viewers to embrace and protect the natural treasures around them. • Prairie Public , which covers Northwestern Minnesota, works with libraries to spotlight Indigenous resources, offering Minnesotans a chance to learn about the histories and cultures that shape our state. • Twin Cities PBS brings communities together through programs like Relish , which explores Minnesota’s culinary diversity, and The Electric Indian , which connected hockey fans with powerful Indigenous storytelling. • PBS North , which covers Northeastern Minnesota, opens spaces for thoughtful conversations about local and state issues through Almanac North , encouraging viewers to engage with the political and social issues that shape their lives. These programs go far beyond the screen. They live in conversation in community as we invite people to think more deeply, and connect with other community members, to feel proud of the place we call home. By working with communities to tell their stories and amplify their voices, MPTA stations ensure the content we create is authentic, relevant, and impactful. Over the past year, the six MPTA stations produced over 1,000 hours of original content, engaged more than 2.1 million online viewers, and earned recognition through 53 awards and nominations. But the true value lies in how this work resonates with our viewers and strengthens the bonds between us. Your support is an investment in what makes Minnesota unique. On behalf of everyone at MPTA— and the countless people who have found meaning, connection, and inspiration through our programming—thank you.
Sincerely,
William G. Strusinski Legislative Consultant 651.755.6448 bill@libbylawoffice.com
Patty Mester President & General Manager of PBS North President MPTA 218.788.2831
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