Pioneer TV president launches ‘Coming into View’ campaign

The new Pioneer Public Television headquarters in Granite Falls got a welcome visit from PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, who made the trip from Washington, D.C. to Minnesota on April 27.

The station is relocating from Appleton to Granite Falls. Kerger was on hand over two days to help launch the public phase of the $2.5 million “Coming Into View” campaign to expand capacity as they move into the new television station.

With generous support from Ron and Diane Fagen of Granite Falls, as well as grants from the State of Minnesota, the campaign capped the third of three major funding sources that helped Pioneer Public Television complete its transformation.

“I have traveled all over the country and visited most of the 350 PBS stations,” Kerger told a group of donors, board members and Pioneer staff members.

“This new studio is among my favorites for its beauty, the way it fits into the landscape, and the way it was designed to serve as a community gathering space.”

According to Pioneer Public Television President and General Manager Les Heen, more than 160 donors have contributed more than $1.3 million toward the $2.5 million fundraising goal.

“Pioneer is entering a new era with our headquarters in Granite Falls, with a new community effort that aims to make the most of the new Ron and Diane Fagen Building,“ he said.

To jump start the public phase of the campaign, Granite Falls Bank announced that they will match every dollar pledged to Pioneer for Coming Into View, up to $200,000.

"I'm from Washington and I'm here to help is not always a phrase that has a positive connotation," Kerger joked during her speech.

"But in this case it's absolutely true. I am here to do whatever it takes to be sure this is a success. I truly believe this station's best days lie ahead."

The future-focused campaign seeks to help ensure the future of public television by creating a special fund for more locally produced, award-winning programs that can be broadcast to more than two million homes in parts of five states in the Upper Midwest.

The campaign will also provide funding that will allow the station to invest in new technologies and the training and staff to use them.

Finally, the campaign seeks to create a reserve fund to bring a solid financial foundation to the station to support new opportunities for growth and partnerships with regional organizations.

“Paula had a private meal with board members and staff and major donors on Friday night at the studio,” said Pioneer Communications Director Patrick Moore. “She met local elected officials and other contributors to the silent phase of the Coming Into View Campaign on Saturday morning and gave another speech.”

During the meal on Friday night, Kerger was served a piece of cake made by a local cake maker and after tasting it, told those in the room that “It was the best cake I have ever had.” Pioneer has moved some of its equipment and personnel from the station in Appleton to the Ron and Diane Fagen building in Granite Falls.

Operations will begin fully in Granite Falls sometime in the fall.