KSMQ Public Television, based in Austin, Minnesota, has been a cornerstone of educational, cultural, and civic broadcasting since its founding. The station first went on the air on October 17, 1972, established by Austin Public Schools as part of the Austin Area Vocational-Technical Institute (AAVTI). Initially, the station offered limited programming, primarily serving as an educational broadcast training facility.

In 1984, the station rebranded as KSMQ-TV to reflect its expanded mission of delivering diverse, high-quality content to a broader audience. The new name, "Southern Minnesota Quality," signified its commitment to serving the region with meaningful programming. In 2005, ownership transitioned from Austin Public Schools to a community-based nonprofit, KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc., ensuring continued local governance and a deep commitment to regional needs.

Today, KSMQ serves more than 709,000 individuals across a 24,806-square-mile area in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. As a PBS member station, KSMQ offers a blend of national PBS programming and locally produced content, showcasing the region’s unique heritage and perspectives. From public affairs and history to the arts and environmental issues, KSMQ fosters informed discussions and meaningful community engagement.

Reaching audiences in the Rochester, MN-Mason City, IA-Austin, MN designated market area—the 153rd largest media market in the U.S.—KSMQ delivers content through four over-the-air broadcast channels and a growing range of digital and streaming platforms. By embracing both tradition and innovation, KSMQ continues its mission of informing, educating, and inspiring, strengthening the cultural fabric of the communities it serves.