1. Describe your overall goals and approach to address identified community issues, needs, and interests through your station’s vital local services, such as multiplatform long and short-form content, digital and in-person engagement, education services, community information, partnership support, and other activities, and audiences you reached or new audiences you engaged.

The goal of Pioneer 90.1 KSRQ is to bring together the people of northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota through radio programs and live events that would otherwise not be available in the rural areas we serve. KSRQ works with volunteer hosts who bring a diversity of music, interests, and ideas to the airwaves. The station also offers a platform for non-profits and artists to share their stories on the air.

KSRQ works to understand and meet the needs of its listeners and expand its impact through digital platforms, community partnerships, and live events. KSRQ actively assesses the composition of its audience through market information provided by Radio Research Consortium. KSRQ’s main studio is located in Thief River Falls, a northwest Minnesota community of 10,000 residents. The station also has listeners in Grand Forks, North Dakota and in smaller communities on both sides of the border. Programs of regional interest are produced at Northland Community and Technical College campuses in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Several volunteer hosts also create programming from home studios throughout the area thanks to recent investments in remote voice-tracking technology.

To gauge listener interest, KSRQ monitors web traffic, online streaming metrics, Nielson Audio listener estimates, and gathers listener feedback through electronic media and personal interactions at live events.

A large portion of KSRQ’s broadcast schedule (approximately 100 hours a week) is locally-hosted by staff and volunteers. 16 of those original programs are made available for on-demand listening each week on KSRQ’s website and app. Recent updates to the station’s digital platforms have made it easier for listeners to quickly access archived content. KSRQ’s Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage projects are posted to Public Radio Exchange and shared with other public radio stations in the state.

KSRQ remains the only radio station in northwest Minnesota to multicast using HD Digital Radio. Three additional stations have allowed KSRQ to expand popular programs to their own dedicated channels, reaching new audiences as a result. About 15,000 people listened to PolkaCast (HD-2) online this year. Others listen via the HD-2 radio broadcast in Thief River Falls, Warren, Crookston, Red Lake Falls, and other communities in northwest Minnesota. The channel preserves historical recordings (many from vinyl records) reflecting Minnesota’s German, Czech, and Scandinavian traditions.

KSRQ has received feedback and financial support from listeners in several states who are happy to have the opportunity to reconnect with this music on their internet radios, computers, phones and other devices. HD-2 is well-received over the air in our region by listeners who lack internet access. Several nursing homes have HD radios tuned to PolkaCast.

• Describe key initiatives and the variety of partners with whom you collaborated, including other public media outlets, community nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, the business community, teachers and parents, etc. This will illustrate the many ways you’re connected across the community and engaged with other important organizations in the area.

KSRQ, in partnership with the City of Thief River Falls, presented a very successful series of 16 free concerts with Minnesota-based bands and solo musical performers. The concerts, which included artists such as McNasty Brass Band, The High 48s, and Brian Wicklund & Mike Dowling, were attended by 100 to 300 people each. Each concert was heavily promoted on-air, on social media, and in print media. 70 Minnesota-based solo or group performers took part in this project and were paid for their work. One of the concerts featured a band of seven high school students from the Bagley area, who earned the experience of playing before a large audience and having their music broadcast on the radio. The concerts were recorded, broadcast, and archived online. The project resulted in an increase in local and Minnesota-focused content produced and aired by public radio. It allowed more Minnesotans to participate in and be exposed to art and culture. It also resulted in more Minnesota artists having their work showcased by public broadcasting.

Allison Page is a nationally-produced playwright, podcaster, and comedy writer, originally from Thief River Falls. The Thief River Falls Area Community Theater commissioned her to write an original radio comedy, titled “Bandits’ Fjord.” KSRQ recorded, mixed, edited, and broadcast the highly creative and entertaining 55-minute sci-fi comedy production. A cast of 11 local actors, including two high school students, brought the story to life with a combination of voice characterizations and live sound effects.

Kezar Music Showroom Presents was an hour-long weekly show that showcased a variety of vintage and new audio recordings by local musical acts. In FY24, KSRQ produced and aired 24 episodes, hosted by Thief River Falls music store owner and musician Joe Kezar. One of the episodes featured a visit with members of longtime Northwest Minnesota band Eagle Creek, whose performance was recorded live at RiverFest in Thief River Falls. Twin Cities-area piano and drums duo The White Keys was also recorded live at the two-day music festival. Included in the programs broadcast in FY24 were concerts by The Jensen Sisters of Goodridge; Krome of Viking; Tami Lee and the Northern Lights of Goodridge; and student band One Act Rival of Bagley. Also featured in the series were live musical performances recorded at the Pennington County Fair in Thief River Falls. The project resulted in 24 hours of radio programming featuring 114 Minnesota-based solo or group performers.

The popular series Hometown History featured residents of communities in KSRQ’s listening area sharing nostalgic stories related to the culture and history of their hometowns. Segments included conversations with the director of a county historical museum and the manager of a rural electric cooperative, along with the personal recollections of local residents. Among the stories heard on Hometown History were tales of ghosts in Pennington County; Santa’s appearance on a snowmobile instead of a sleigh; pioneering local women in politics, business and the military; farming and floods; and the importance of rural electric co-ops to the development of Northwest Minnesota. In FY24, KSRQ produced 33 segments of Hometown History, resulting in more Minnesota-focused content produced by public radio. Each segment ran between two and 14 minutes long, for a total of over four hours of historical content that was broadcast and archived. A listener who commented on Facebook said “Fantastic! Knowing more about our community and surrounding areas will make this series enjoyable. I wish everyone great success. Thank you for sharing this news.” The series promoted awareness of the Pennington County Historical Society’s Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village in Thief River Falls and helped to preserve northwest Minnesota’s culture and history.

• What impact did your key initiatives and partnerships have in your community? Describe any known measurable impact, such as increased awareness, learning or understanding about particular issues. Describe indicators of success, such as connecting people to needed resources or strengthening conversational ties across diverse neighborhoods. Did a partner see an increase in requests for related resources? Please include direct feedback from a partner(s) or from a person(s) served.

KSRQ’s Artist Spotlight radio series informed the community about local art projects and events. Artist Spotlight served an important role in informing listeners of how Minnesota Legacy funds are used to enhance life in our communities. Artists highlighted were Arts Accessibility, Mental Health, Arts Education, and more. KSRQ collaborated with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council for Artist Spotlight. The project featured interviews with photographers, painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, vocalists, musicians, actors, directors, arts advocates, and educators, as well as festival and county fair organizers from Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau Counties. The host of the show was recognized by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council as “Arts Advocate of the Year” for his work on the series. He retired this spring after 14 years at KSRQ. KSRQ produced and aired 64 segments of the Artist Spotlight. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council also posted the segments on its website. Artist Spotlight, which was a 10-month project, resulted in more than 6 hours of original Minnesota arts programming. Artist Spotlight interviews were also archived on the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council’s website under the title “Let’s Talk Art.”

Other listener comments:

“You have such a great broadcast and programming setup. Love the music that’s provided on it. I’m located in Bismarck, ND. Thank you and have a great and safe day!” — KSRQ listener commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“I am an Old-Time fan. Tried your station and found it has good music. I like Julie Lee, Nathan Neuman, and more. I am enjoying your station right now. Keep it up!”— Listener from Mapleton, commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“I am listening … sitting right by my kitchen HD Radio!” — Thief River Falls listener, commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“One of my favorite shows of the week!” — Thief River Falls listener, commenting on Cathy’s Variety Show on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“I like the convenience of switching to PolkaCast. We have danced to a good number of the bands that are played.” — Nisswa listener, commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“Hi there! I have relatives in Thief River Falls, and I just love listening to the Polka station. Keep playing the music because I love listening to you guys. Thank you very much.” — Grand Forks, ND listener commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“I’m listening to PolkaCast this afternoon, and I enjoy it very, very much. I really enjoy this kind of music. I enjoy PolkaCast and having you guys here every day. Thanks for being a part of my day! We love you and keep up the good work. Thanks again for everything that you do.” — LaCrosse, WI listener, commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

“Rom is great, and it’s sad to know that he’ll be retiring.”— KSRQ listener commenting on Artist Spotlight

“Featured artists showcase and demonstrate their art, which broadens all ages’ experiences of different forms of art.” — KSRQ listener commenting on Artist Spotlight

“FREE ADMISSION, EVERY THURSDAY: Please consider attending the Concert in the Park series. It starts on May 30. Last summer I attended every installment, and each one was an evening that was very well spent. Thanks to the Eagles Club, the shows go on rain or shine.” — Thief River Falls listener, commenting on Pioneer 90.1 Live Sessions

“Little Bobby showed his incredible talent by playing alone and making it sound amazing. Thanks for a terrific surprise concert!” — Thief River Falls listener, commenting on a last-minute fill-in concert by Little Bobby

“Awesome! Thanks for continuing the Thursday music at the Gazebo Park! It is the perfect ending to a Thursday!” — Thief River Falls listener, commenting on Pioneer 90.1 Live Sessions

“I enjoyed every minute of it! It was a wonderful evening and such a great opportunity for both the band and the community members. I love how it is a consistent, scheduled event. This is something people in the community look forward to each summer. We have family in TRF, and they knew exactly what we were talking about when we invited them to the concert. It is well advertised and well attended! People of ALL ages were in attendance that evening . . . It also opens doors for others who may not get another opportunity for this, whether it is performing or listening. It was a wonderful time for everyone!” — Bagley resident, commenting on Breaking Up The Boys’ Club’s performance on Pioneer 90.1 Live Sessions

“Sweet support for kids! Gives them a good start! Brought family together!” — Bagley resident, commenting on Breaking Up The Boys’ Club’s performance on Pioneer 90.1 Live Sessions

“Excellent recording … great band!!” – Thief River Falls listener, commenting on Tami Lee & The Northern Lights broadcast on Kezar Music Showroom Presents

“As I write, I do share my gratitude for the PolkaCast programming. It is immeasurable the happiness that this music does for all your faithful listeners, especially reaching the shut-ins. It is the pure joy and the feel-good time of their days. The programming is excellent and needed. Personally, in addition, I do thank you for replaying my Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day speeches. This programming means patriotism and thankfulness to our veterans who served. I would be so remiss if I did not compliment the value of PolkaCast as I listen on my car radio. It is such a refreshing traveling companion, aiding concentration on driver safety while I continue my journey with pleasant background listening. The PolkaCast is the only radio station that I listen to. Thank you for not only your station of entertainment but also public service. Many, many thank you’s. May you always be on the air serving the public as you aptly do.” — Warren listener, commenting on Pioneer PolkaCast KSRQ HD-2

• Please describe any efforts (e.g. programming, production, engagement activities) you have made to investigate and/or meet the needs of minority and other diverse audiences (including, but not limited to, new immigrants, people for whom English is a second language and illiterate adults) during Fiscal Year 2022, and any plans you have made to meet the needs of these audiences during Fiscal Year 2023. If you regularly broadcast in a language other than English, please note the language broadcast.

KSRQ broadcasts “Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine.” Each episode focused on Native voices, views, and testimonies, from a basis of strength and humor. Hosted by siblings Leah Lemm and Cole Premo, both of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Native Lights centered on people in Native groups around Mni Sota Mkoce (a.k.a. Minnesota), and their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community. All of the programs highlighted stories of joy, strength, history, and change from Native people who are shaping the future and honoring those who came before them. Native Lights featured conversations with artists and storytellers, academics, policymakers, and other community members and leaders.

KSRQ also airs Minnesota Native News, produced by Ampers. Each week, Minnesota Native News covers social, economic, cultural, and health issues facing Minnesota’s Native American communities. In FY24, Minnesota Native News informed listeners about the grand opening of Migizi’s new building, allowing the organization to better serve Native youth. Migizi lost its former home in the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. The organization helps Native youth develop digital storytelling skills to help train them for a career in broadcasting or podcasting. Minnesota Native News also taught listeners about an effort by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to bring bison back to their tribal homelands. The project also looked into the impact the Native American Graves Protection and Reparation Act was having in Minnesota and what some members of Minnesota’s Indigenous communities had to say about the final rule that went into effect in January of 2024.

Additionally, KSRQ airs a Hispanic music and culture program for one hour each week, called “Beat Latino.” A portion of that program is in Spanish.

KSRQ is committed to increasing the amount of programming that meets the needs of diverse audiences in FY25 by continuing to air “Native Lights” and other programs produced by Ampers, including a weekday newscast called North Star Stories. We are also planning live concert events featuring culturally diverse musical performers this summer.

• Please assess the impact that your CPB funding had on your ability to serve your community. What were you able to do with your grant that you wouldn’t be able to do if you didn’t receive it?

KSRQ began as a training lab for students, which continued until the college’s broadcasting program was discontinued in 2007. The CPB grant saved the station from closure and allowed it to start its transition to the successful community station is it today.

Since it was admitted into the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Community Service Grant program, KSRQ has recruited community volunteers who create programming that has become highly valued in our region. Each host brings new listeners to the station, along with a greater sense of community. CPB funding allows for training and scheduling of volunteers, and the marketing of volunteer shows through the station’s website, social media and print media.

CPB funding has also allowed the station to bring quality national programs such as “Beat Latino” and “American Routes” to listeners in our area.

KSRQ has cultivated a growing audience through a carefully considered mix of programming tailored to our region, with an emphasis on increasing the number of local voices heard on the air.

KSRQ also uses CPB funding to serve its listeners a mix of independent music not heard elsewhere in our region. KSRQ strives to make its music playlist as inclusive as possible.

CPB funding allows KSRQ to employ a full-time station manager who oversees the station’s underwriting and grant maintenance. We are happy to say that KSRQ’s community of listener supporters grows each year, and now includes many listeners from outside our FM broadcast coverage area.

KSRQ is looking to the future of community radio by offering additional programming on HD radio and streaming stations; exploring the possibility of creating a local podcasting production facility; working with volunteers to create and submit programming from home; and investigating locations for additional studios in our area.

The past several years have seen exciting growth at KSRQ. CPB grants have been essential to these changes. The staff and volunteers are immensely grateful to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for its support of KSRQ.