MontanaPbs.org Provides quality television & much more
Title
MontanaPBS
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Quality television has the power to elevate our understanding of the world, encourage respect for one another, and influence our lives in a positive way. MontanaPBS shares diverse stories; connects our citizens; discovers common ground; and celebrates the independent spirit and beauty of Montana.
On October 1, 1984 viewers in the Gallatin Valley experienced the first over-the-air signal from KUSM-TV. MSU had received permission from the FCC, The Montana Board of Regents, and The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to rebroadcast the KUED, Salt Lake City signal as its primary programming source. This first service was a response to a citizens group representing the growing non-cabled area surrounding Bozeman. They asked if MSU could find a way to combine the promised gift of a transmitter and antenna from a commercial broadcaster (Joe Sample) with their need for quality childrens' programming.
There were no financial resources available to operate a traditional public television station at MSU in 1984. It was clear that such a service would have to begin as a self supporting operation. The viewer base in the Bozeman area certainly could not support the cost of a full service PBS station. Through necessity KUSM negotiated with PBS and KUED-TV, Salt Lake City, for the rights to rebroadcast the Salt Lake signal entering Montana through TCI Cable. A sister station relationship was agreed upon by all parties. This allowed KUSM to operate at minimal costs for its first three years of operation. In that period of time KUSM was able to train its staff and develop the financial support to become a full service station.
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