KSMQ Public Television will get a little help unveiling its new broadcast signal on Monday.

Kerger

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) President and CEO Paula Kerger will help KSMQ officially flip the switch to unveil its high-definition broadcast signal during a ceremony Monday at the station on the Riverland Community College Campus.

“Certainly we are delighted to be recognized by PBS in having Ms. Kerger accept our invitation to be a part of the celebration,” said KSMQ President and CEO Eric Olson in a press release. “She realizes that a great deal of work here on the ground has taken place over the past two years to get us to this point. She wants to congratulate the staff and region on this accomplishment.

The $500,000 project has taken two years of preparation and fundraising. KSMQ leaders call the cost a significant investment for a small station like KSMQ.

The Hormel Foundation contributed $100,000.

Monday’s event will include a reception for station supporters and regional community leaders.

Kerger leads the nation’s 350 nonprofit public television stations in Washington, D.C. She has been president and CEO of PBS since 2008 and is its longest serving leader.

It will be the first time a PBS leader has visited the station.

High-definition television (HDTV) provides a picture resolution that is substantially higher than that of standard-definition television for viewers with newer home television equipment.

“From our standpoint, we hope our viewers will notice the better quality picture and sound of KSMQ’s new high-definition signal,” Olson said in the release.

With an entirely new physical plant installed as part of the process, referred to in television jargon as a “Master Control” facility, KSMQ will offer more than improved picture and sound.

“We will have better control over our program offerings, including a greater ability to produce live television broadcasts,” said KSMQ Director of Operations Michele Hoeper in the release.