IMPACT STORY KSMQ & Legacy Funding Shine a Spotlight on the Ever-changing Landscape of Rochester, Minnesota
KSMQ Est. 1971 • ksmq.org • Austin, MN
Legacy funding empowers KSMQ to achieve our mission to inspire viewers to discover local connections, build strong communities and become better informed. This funding allows us to share stories from across our region, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of the people throughout Southeastern Minnesota. Programs created this year introduced viewers to local hidden gems, facilitated discussion centered around literature and current events, and gave a glimpse into the rich culture and history in our area.
As the Destination Medical Center initiative continues to change the landscape in and around Rochester, KSMQ’s R-Town has provided a vital platform to showcase the growing diversity through the region. Since 1990, the city of Rochester’s population has grown by 40,000 people and the population of the greater Rochester area is now more than half the size of the city of Minneapolis. Rochester continues to become more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, and culture. As the city continues to grow and evolve, R-Town puts a focus on the different ways Rochester citizens, city officials, and organizations are creating welcoming and inclusive environments.
In FY23, hosts Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara and Danielle Teal shared the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled communities, and other historically marginalized groups, making Rochester the melting pot of southeastern Minnesota. In FY23, R-Town featured over 40 diverse community members over 21 episodes. Providing an outlet for community discussion, R-Town has given diverse populations throughout the area a platform to feature their art, culture, and history.
I have loved watching my grandchildren sing in the Austinaires on TV. Thank you for these local programs, as well as all the dignified fictional shows and documentaries. And no commercials, yeah! - Shirley Keenan
AREAS OF IMPACT
IMPROVING OUR DIGITAL PRESENCE KSMQ focused on increasing its digital social media presence, creating content exclusively for Facebook, and shared all other content created to the KSMQ YouTube Channel. Posts made on social media became a conduit to introduce viewers to additional programming, both online and over-the-air.
SHOWCASING THE ARTS
UPDATING THE REGION
“Enjoyed working with KSMQ Public Television – made it fun, warm, and welcoming – and enjoyed listening to others on this segment. Thank you for bringing relevant and a variety of information!” – Maria Serbus, Roch ester
KSMQ gave a platform for local artists to share their work, with multiple artists featured on Off 90 and R-Town , and local music groups involved in various music specials.
Michael Wojcik, a KSMQ correspondent, updated viewers on the latest happenings in the Minnesota Legislative session in his weekly Legislative Update . R-Town also provided a closer look at candidates running for Rochester mayoral and city council races.
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