Below you'll find answers to commonly asked questions, chose from the following categories to go to a specific topic shown below:
 General Information, Broadcast Signal, Community Involvement
KSMQ Funding and On-Air Membership Drives
Membership, Secure Online Forms, Payment Options
Working at KSMQ and Volunteering
Understanding PBS and CPB
Localize your PBS Experience and Website Technical Support
General Information, Broadcast Signal, Community Involvement
How do I contact KSMQ?
We provide a full directory of our staff on our "Contact KSMQ" web page.
Where is KSMQ located?
Our main offices, which serve our entire viewing area, are based in Austin, Minnesota.
Why do you name all of those cities in your station ID?
FCC guidelines require us to mention Austin because it is our city of license. We choose to mention all of the others (Albert Lea, Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato, Faribault, Mason City, and Winona) so everyone will know that we are truly the public television station for the entire region. We have members in all those areas too!
Where is KSMQ’s digital tower? What is the broadcast range of KSMQ?
The local NBC affiliate, KTTC, allows us to transmit via their digital tower in Grand Meadow, MN as part of an agreement that allows them office space and a microwave line in our Austin office. The transmitter has broadcast radius of 100 miles.
How many people watch KSMQ?
Exact viewership varies by program, day, and time of year. While there are methods to measure this exactly, they are quite expensive. What we can say is that we have the potential to reach 95% of the people with households living in our area—a better result than most any other broadcaster can boast. According to national studies conducted by a Roper Public Affairs & Media national poll, more homes view public television on a weekly basis than enter a library or go to a concert, etc.
What is KSMQ’s association/relationship with KTTC?
The local NBC affiliate, KTTC, provides a very important form of in-kind support to KSMQ. KTTC allows us to transmit via their digital tower in Grand Meadow, MN for absolutely no cost to us. That’s fortunate because many stations pay as much as $120,000 annually for such tower rental. In exchange, KTTC’s Austin bureau is located in our main offices. It's a win-win arrangement! Let them know how much you appreciate their enabling you to get your favorite programming by dropping a note to Jerry Watson at:
KTTC Television, Inc.
Signal Hill CW
6301 Bandel Road NW
Rochester, MN 55901-8798
e-mail at: jwatson@kttc.com
What is KSMQ’s association/relationship with Riverland Community College?
Currently, the office space we occupy is provided via an in-kind exchange with Riverland Community College. We are very fortunate that Riverland sees the value of having a public television station in our community and is willing to support it. The college also has a seat on our board currently held by President Terry Leas.
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KSMQ Funding and On-Air Membership Drives
Does KSMQ receive any portion of the money I pay to my cable company?
No. This is an assumption many people have. We receive funds from individuals and corporations through their direct giving to KSMQ and from federal tax dollars translating to about $1.02 per person. Interestingly, recent surveys conducted by Roper’s Media revealed that people believe current federal investment in public television was not enough, but that money given to them is well spent.
How is KSMQ funded?
KSMQ is funded through a public/private partnership. One portion comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; another comes from the State of Minnesota, corporate support, individual support, foundations, special projects, as well as fundraising activities, events and auctions. Currently, much of the KSMQ’s funding comes from government sources because of the station’s recent affiliation with a school district. As KSMQ grows into a self-sufficient community station, we hope more funds will be generated from the region itself. Successful community public television stations tend to have strong financial ties to the communities they serve making their dependence on government funds less of a burden. Such a relationship will be a huge step toward to making our public television station thrive.
Why does KSMQ have so many on-air fundraising drives?
We receive numerous comments about our pledge drive activity. Membership drives play a very important role in KSMQ’s ability to raise funds from the community and especially new members. Using our own broadcast air is also the most inexpensive and effective way KSMQ has to let you know the importance of your contributions to our station. The other reality is that it is quite expensive to air the programs you enjoy, and so, while we are appreciative of each $36 contribution, it takes a large number of those to pay for the infrastructure necessary to deliver programs such as Masterpiece Theater, Antiques Roadshow and Sesame Street to your home. We are extremely grateful for viewer support and we offer a very special “thank you” to those who have already pledged, but must do without their programming during the drives. We are continually working on other options to address this gap. In the meantime, know that out of 6,500 hours of great programs we provide each year, less than 1% is devoted to on-air membership drives.
How can I learn more about different KSMQ family events and
activities around the region?
Learning about what’s going on in our region has never been easier, thanks to KSMQ. Check out these three options: 1) Become a regular visitor to our new website; 2) Give us permission to send you e-mails about upcoming activities; and/or 3) Become a member of KSMQ. Members receive regular and often advanced information on many special activities available.
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Membership, Secure Online Forms, Payment Options
Will my contribution gift be tax deductible?
Yes—because KSMQ is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent that it exceeds the fair market value of any benefit you receive in return. We will send you a tax receipt for any gift of $250.00 or more, or for one of $75.00 or more when you have received a thank-you gift such as a videotape, CD, or book.
How quickly will my online payment be processed?
Our Membership staff places a high priority on responding to your pledge or other purchases in a timely manner. We will process your request on the next business day after receiving your check or credit card order. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments begin approximately one month from the time we receive your written authorization. If you choose to use the EFT payment option, you will receive written notification verifying your EFT amount and the start date of the funds transfer.
Will KSMQ notify me when payments are due?
Yes—For certain memberships you may ask us to bill you, if you intend to pay by check. For credit card and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments, KSMQ will automatically process your payment when it becomes due and you will see confirmation of the transaction on your credit card or bank statement.
When paying by EFT, which bank account will I use?
You authorize KSMQ to establish the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from either your checking or savings account.
Renewing or changing your Sustaining Membership
The Sustaining Partnership form of membership allows you to set-up automatic monthly or quarterly payments which are automatically processed. Once you become a Sustaining Partner your support is ongoing and your membership payments renew automatically. However, you may contact KSMQ at any time to increase, decrease, or discontinue future payments.
When will I receive my Thank You gift?
Your gift(s) should arrive within 4 to 8 weeks after we receive and process your contribution. If you are concerned about the status of your gift(s), please feel free to e-mail us. Your subscription to our monthly program guide will begin within 30 days of your donation. If you do not receive the KSMQ program guide within 30 days, please call us at 1-800-658-2539 or send us an e-mail.
Is becoming a member online secure and safe?
Yes—KSMQ uses SSL (The Secure Sockets Layer is a commonly-used protocol for managing the security of a message transmission over the Internet). KSMQ uses certification to verify that our site is safe and secure. You can rest assured that your personal information is completely safe and is transferred to KSMQ via a secure format.
Only KSMQ membership staff will process your purchases you make through our online store. Our online store provides you with a secure method of becoming a member from the comfort of your home or office. If you are uncomfortable transmitting your information over the internet, feel free to simply call us at 1-800-658-2539 and pledge your support or order tickets to events or promotions.
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Working at KSMQ
I would like to become an intern. Who do I contact about internship opportunities?
Student interns are a critical part of our ability to do what we do. For more information about interning at KSMQ, check out the Student Connections section of our website.
I am interested in working at KSMQ. How do I find out about employment opportunities?
Please check our employment web page with lists current job openings. KSMQ also post openings in area newspapers and traditional job bulletins. KSMQ is an equal opportunity employer.
How can I volunteer at KSMQ?
Thanks for asking! Volunteering your time is a great way to get involved and support the efforts of the station. Check out the volunteering section of our website, then call the station at 1-800-658-2539, or e-mail us today!
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Understanding PBS and CPB
What is the difference between the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)?
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is a private, not-for-profit program distribution company owned and operated by America's public television stations and based in Virginia. PBS funds the creation and acquisition of programs for its 348 member stations and distributes those programs through American television's first broadcast satellite system.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is made possible by a grant from the federal government and by support from viewers like you. CPB is a private, not-for-profit corporation (not a government agency) created by the federal government that receives appropriations from Congress to help fund programming for more than 1,000 member-owned stations of the Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and other organizations. CPB was created by Congress in 1967.
Public television is the general term that describes the system of stations that rely on some form of public funding. In the United States, it can include some stations that are not actually members of PBS.
How do I contact PBS?
Depending on who you want to contact, the national PBS website is the best source – www.pbs.org. You may also contact the individuals who produce each program to give them direct feedback, often by typing in the name of the program or series in a search engine.
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Localize Your PBS Experience and Website Technical Support
How do I make KSMQ my local station on PBS.org?
The KSMQ website has been designed to compliment your PBS experience. Simply click here to go to the PBS website and select KSMQ as your PBS station. Once set (assuming your browser allows "cookies") you'll always be connected with KSMQ and PBS. When you "click-through" from the KSMQ website to PBS.org, you may be automatically localized with KSMQ as your regional PBS station.
I'm having problems viewing your website, can you help?
These are the most common problems: (If you're having technical difficulties with online forms or other issues, not shown below, please e-mail our webmaster.)
Your Browser
This site is best viewed with the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari. You may experience difficulties with Netscape Navigator and older versions of Internet Explorer. We encourage you to obtain the latest version of your browser. To download the latest version of your browser, simply go to browser's homepage.
Screen Size
The KSMQ website is designed (in most instances) to display at 760x500 pixels. On a 640x480 screen, the graphics and text may appear larger but you will see less at one time without scrolling. On a 800x600 screen, you should be able to see most of the main screens without scrolling.
To change your screen resolution, look for "Display Properties" or "Monitors & Sound" in your Control Panel.
Font Size
This site is best viewed when your default font is set to "Medium" or "Automatic". If your font size is set significantly larger or smaller than these, you will experience some distorted graphics and page layouts.
as the page adjusts to accommodate larger fonts.
Flash Plug-In
Some pages, such as the homepage utilize Flash technology. Flash is a
FREE plugin you can obtain by going to the Adobe website. This website has been designed to automatically take you to a non-flash page. We have
a known issue that some browsers may not recognize the redirect code.
Typically, if these are addressed first, they will correct any problems you may be experiencing. If not, feel free to e-mail our webmaster who will personally reply to your questions.
We welcome your feedback regarding our website, free to e-mail our webmaster at ksmqweb@gmail.com at any time with your comments or suggestions.
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